The Famous Line Which Will Live Throughout the Ages

So we all know who the man on the right is right? No it isn't Grandpa Larry. This man was the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. He is one of the most renowned men in history because of his accomplishments (and he's on the penny). With that in mind, you can figure that he was an intellectual type with a keen eye for understand people.

To understand people, you must understand their character. That's why he came up with one of the most famous quotes in history: "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

No truer words can be said when we wish to know the root of all good and evil. To fully understand the extent of someone, do not judge them by the accomplishments of everyday hardships. Why? Because Ab said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity ..." meaning that almost everybody is able to overcome turmoils, change, obstacles, anything of the sort. We have the strength and will to stand adversity which is normal in life. However, to truly understand what somebody will or will not do, give them power.

Have you ever seen the movie Bruce Almighty starring Jim Carey and Morgan Freeman? If you haven't you need to stop reading this and go watch it because it is HILARIOUS and I don't want to spoil the movie for you. But that's not the point of why I brought it up. The point of the movie is to demonstrate what a man or woman might do when given the position to rule over life with absolute power. As seen in the movie, only selfish needs were fulfilled with no regard of helping others.

So what do you think about Ab's quote? Do you believe that the only way to understand the true nature of somebody is by giving them power? Or was Ab just pulling rabbits out of his tall hat?

I had a few amount of people answer these questions already so maybe they'll help get your brain started:

+Ankur Thakur said: "It would mean that one's real nature and potency is seen, when he is given Powers... Its the time, when he is examined for his strength.. Its on him, whether to use it for the good sake of world or for his own sake... Have you seen Bruce Almighty? Just an example of it..."

+James Lertora  said: "It says to me that power is the one thing that releases you to act the way you really are inside. If you give someone enough money(power) to stop going to work, what do they do? Do they become professional couch potatoes, or go the the gym 4 hrs a day? Do they contribute to society or do they pursue selfish pursuits? It is like what does a person think about or do when no one is looking. Sorta the same thing."

+Leanne Sinclair said: "There are various different forms in which power can be identified. In some cases power can actually result in being put under more pressure to endure more stressful situations. In this case, it would be a test of whether a person can maintain their good nature. Someone of a strong character would embrace the power without altering their own personality too much. "