Quote 27: “With great power comes great responsibility.” – Voltaire (popularized by Spider-Man)
- Dr. ARUN V J
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
We’ve all heard it—probably from Spider-Man. But here’s a fun fact: Voltaire said it first. (Who? Exactly.)
Voltaire was an 18th-century French philosopher known for his sharp wit and even sharper criticism of authority. He didn’t wear a spandex suit, but he did fight corruption, injustice, and tyranny with his words. When he said that power demands responsibility, he wasn’t talking about stopping alien invasions—he was talking about how those in charge must act with ethics, or society crumbles.
Spider-Man, on the other hand, first dropped this iconic line in Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962). Since then, he’s repeated it in movies, memes, and motivational posters. But here’s the thing: People love quoting it, but few actually live by it.
Why This Quote Matters Today
Because this quote isn't just about radioactive spiders or stopping bank robbers. It’s about YOU & ME
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We live in a world obsessed with power.
Power in our careers, power in our bank accounts, power over our schedules, power through social media influence, power in our knowledge. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more money, influence, or control? Raise your hand again if you crave a bigger paycheck or a louder voice.
Here’s the uncomfortable flip side everyone conveniently forgets: Responsibility.
It’s the part of the equation we often try to shove out the window as soon as the power starts flowing. We chase the promotion but resent the extra hours. We build a platform but ignore the impact of our words. We gain financial freedom but forget the ethical choices that wealth enables (or obscures). We inherit a position but dismiss the weight of legacy and expectation.
Everyone wants power.
Everyone wants money.
But nobody wants the responsibility that comes with it.
The moment power or wealth enters the picture, ethics often fly out the window. We see it everywhere:
CEOs cutting corners for profit.
Politicians making self-serving decisions.
Influencers spreading misinformation for clout.
Image courtesy: Wix
Power doesn’t always corrupt—it amplifies who you already are.
We’ve all heard "Power corrupts." It’s a cynical trope. But let’s flip the script, inspired by another Marvel icon: Steve Rogers. Remember scrawny Steve who just wouldn’t stop getting up? When he was handed the super-soldier serum – immense physical power – what happened? Did he become a tyrant? Nope. He became Captain America. Why?
Because the serum amplified who he already was. It magnified his courage, his sense of justice, his unwavering moral compass. The responsibility wasn't a burden he avoided; it was the mantle he willingly shouldered. The power gave him the means; his character dictated the ends.
How Power Comes to You (And What You Do With It)
Power can come in different ways:
Inherited – Born into wealth or leadership.
Chosen – Elected or appointed.
Earned – Built through hard work and dedication.
But no matter how you get it, power is an obligation.
When Power Corrupts: The Leaders Who Failed the Test
1. Elizabeth Holmes (Theranos) – The Fall of a "Visionary"
Power: Became the youngest self-made female billionaire by promising revolutionary blood-testing tech.
Responsibility? Instead of admitting failure, she lied, manipulated investors, and risked lives with faulty tests.
Result: Convicted of fraud, lost everything, became a cautionary tale.
Lesson: Power without integrity is a house built on sand.
2. Martin Shkreli (Pharma Bro) – Greed Over Ethics
Power: As a pharmaceutical CEO, he controlled life-saving drugs.
Responsibility? He hiked the price of a critical AIDS drug by 5,000% because "he could."
Result: Universal hatred, prison time, and a legacy of shameless exploitation.
Lesson: Power used selfishly turns you into a villain—fast.
When Power Inspires: Leaders Who Chose Responsibility
1. Jacinda Ardern – Leading With Empathy
Power: New Zealand’s youngest female Prime Minister.
Responsibility? During crises (Christchurch shooting, COVID-19), she prioritized compassion over politics—enacting swift gun control and science-based pandemic policies.
Result: Global admiration, trust from her people, and a model of ethical leadership.
Lesson: True strength isn’t in control—it’s in caring.
2. Warren Buffett – The Billionaire Who Stays Grounded
Power: One of the richest men in history.
Responsibility? Instead of hoarding wealth, he pledged 99% of his fortune to charity and lives modestly.
Result: Respected not just for his money, but for his integrity.
Lesson: Power doesn’t have to corrupt—it can amplify generosity.
3. Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger – The Hero Who Chose Duty Over Panic
Power: As a pilot, he held 155 lives in his hands.
Responsibility? When both engines failed, he landed a plane on the Hudson River, saving everyone.
Result: A legacy of calm, competence, and selflessness under pressure.
Lesson: Real leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action when it matters most.
How to Wield Power Responsibly
Stay Humble – Power is temporary. Arrogance makes it shorter.
Prioritize Ethics Over Profit – Shortcuts lead to long-term failure.
Empower Others – The best leaders create more leaders.
Remember: It’s Not About You – Power is a tool to serve, not to dominate.
Final Thought
Be the leader your colleagues want to follow.
Be the mentor your juniors look up to.
Be the voice that inspires positive action, even when you're not in the room.
Be humble enough to know your power is a tool, not an identity.
Your Actionable Step This Week:
Identify: Where do you hold any kind of power right now? (Position, influence, knowledge, resources, even just your voice in a meeting).
Reflect: How are you currently wielding that power? Are you amplifying your best self, or is the responsibility feeling like a burden you're avoiding?
Choose One Thing: How can you use that specific power more responsibly this week? Could you:
Mentor someone?
Speak up for an ethical choice?
Share credit more generously?
Make a more conscious purchasing decision?
Use your platform to highlight something truly valuable?
Simply listen more and dictate less?
Power isn't inherently good or bad. It’s a force. Responsibility is the compass that directs that force. Be the Steve Rogers. Be the hero of your own story, not the cautionary tale. Because the world doesn't just need Spider-Men swinging between skyscrapers; it needs everyday heroes wielding their everyday power with integrity, right where they are.
What’s your take? Have you seen power change someone—for better or worse? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
(And if you found this valuable, share it with someone who needs to hear it.)