Blank Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 It would've been better for everyone if Lord Acton had never said, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." People fallaciously use this aphorism as if it were an axiom. I hate that so much. Especially when they quote it wrong, like, "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely." When quoted incorrectly like that, it makes it even more stupid, because power doesn't always corrupt. Acton was making an observation, and the only reason I don't hate him more is because he says "tends to" in between power and corrupt. How do we know this isn't post hoc reasoning? What if the person was corrupt before they received power? What if they sought power because of their corruption? What if the power allowed the previous corruption to manifest itself? People say the phrase frequently any time there is an argument about government or the like, and it annoys me so. They act smug, as if they are contributing to the conversation. I also feel like I have to address the fact that nobody can have absolute power anyway. So go on, world. Ignore me and use this stupid phrase as a poor placeholder for an observation a child could make. P.S. That's right, Lord Acton said it. Not Voltaire, as I've heard someone say before. Seriously, as if you didn't make me mad enough by using the quote, you misquote it twice by attributing it to Voltaire and not using "tends to". But it's okay, we can still be friends. In fact, I'll quote Voltaire now, "A witty saying proves nothing," which is kind of hypocritical of me, but fitting given the context of stupidity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walsingham Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 I didn't know it was Lord Acton, and I agree with Blank. Apart from anything else I have against aphorisms, I disagree with ethe statement. Power attracts the corrupt. Duh! I don't recall getting mhy first penknife, with the widget for horses hooves, and thinking suddenly "I am going to do maladaptive things to horses". "It wasn't lies. It was just... bull****"." -Elwood Blues tarna's dead; processing... complete. Disappointed by Universe. RIP Hades/Sand/etc. Here's hoping your next alt has a harp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blank Posted February 17, 2007 Author Share Posted February 17, 2007 (edited) Yeah. I'm overreacting anyway. I don't hate Lord Acton, I just get annoyed by the quote, when people misquote it and use it smugly. I hate smugness in general. Edited February 17, 2007 by Blank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surreptishus Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Hey guys! I hate it when people use Occam's Razor to try and explain something! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blank Posted February 17, 2007 Author Share Posted February 17, 2007 (edited) I'll Occam's Razor you! Edited February 17, 2007 by Blank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanschu Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Hey guys! I hate it when people use Occam's Razor to try and explain something! Sorry :'( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorgon Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 (edited) I'll raise you a Buridan's ass, and a Baby Jesus' butterknife. Edited February 17, 2007 by Gorgon Na na na na na na ... greg358 from Darksouls 3 PVP is a CHEATER. That is all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanschu Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Surely we can incorporate Hitler: Godwin's Law Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Blarg? :confused: Murphy's Law of Computer Gaming: The listed minimum specifications written on the box by the publisher are not the minimum specifications of the game set by the developer. @\NightandtheShape/@ - "Because you're a bizzare strange deranged human?" Walsingham- "Sand - always rushing around, stirring up apathy." Joseph Bulock - "Another headache, courtesy of Sand" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fionavar Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Surely we can incorporate Hitler: Godwin's Law I think he needs to add that as a result of this law threads get closed too when this occurs ... The universe is change; your life is what our thoughts make it - Marcus Aurelius (161) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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