Quotes About Control

BALLOT, n. A simple device by which a majority proves to a minority the folly of resistance. Many worthy persons of imperfect thinking apparatus believe that majorities govern through some inherent right; and minorities submit, not because they must, but because they ought.

The devil had not only acquired a monopoly of the good music and the good fun, but has of late acquired a controlling interest in the good writing.

There is no place, it seems, free from the intrusion of Man, who stretches out his hand for everything, even that which is in the air.

OPPOSITION, n. In politics the party that prevents the Government from running amuck by hamstringing it.

PLEASE, v. To lay the foundation for a superstructure of imposition.

Destiny, n. A tyrant's authority for crime and a fool's excuse for failure.

Breath belongs to Mehay. Ecl has no use for it.

Democracy is a wonderful thing, Mr Burnham,' he said wistfully. 'It is a marvellous tamasha that keeps the common people busy so that men like ourselves can take care of all matters of importance. I hope one day India will also be able to enjoy these advantages—and China too, of course.

Well sir, if slavery is freedom then I'm glad I don't have to make a meal of it. Whips and chains are not much to my taste.

What is it about power, that it has to be higher up than everyone else? Can a man not be powerful on the ground floor?

Rare rages render a man frightening. Common ones render him ridiculous.

Worry less about what the gods might do and more about what you can, that's my advice.

Vick learned long ago that might have is a game with no winners. Few games do have winners, in the end.

It was ridiculous the power she had over him. The difference between misery and happiness was the right word from her.

Secrets, power. It's all a metaphor.

I am First of the Magi. I am the last authority and I say . . . I am righteous.' 'You? No.' 'Yes, Ferro. Power makes all things right. That is my first law, and my last. That is the only law that I acknowledge.

Being in charge can seem like a thing iron-forged, but in the end it's just an idea everyone agrees to.

Because the vast majority of men would far rather be told what to do than make their own choices. Obedience is easy.

He could do anything and it would be right, for he had made himself a willing puppet of God's purpose and in so doing freed himself. He alone free, surrounded by slaves.

I am sure you understand that a reputation for ruthlessness can be useful. A great ruler, especially one of as wide and various a country as Gurkhul, must first be feared. He would desire to be loved also, but that is a luxury. Fear is essential. Whatever you may have heard, Uthman is neither a man of peace, nor of war. He is a man of… what would be your word? Necessity. He is a man of the right tool at the right time.

Magic is the art and science of forcing things to behave in ways that are not in their nature.

People love the idea of freedom but, in my experience, there is only so much they can be trusted with. You saw what Judge did with it. Take it far enough, freedom becomes chaos. The voice of the people… is just noise. It is the blather of the lunatics in the madhouse. It is the squeal of the pigs in the slaughterhouse. It is a choir of morons. Most of them don't even know what they want, let alone how to get it. They need someone to tell them what to do.

It can be a fearsome weapon, patience. One that few men ever learn to use. A

First it is done to us, then we do it to others, then we order it done. Such is the way of things.