Corruption, often seen as a moral and social ailment, has been a subject of reflection and condemnation throughout history. Whether in politics, business, or other spheres of life, corruption undermines trust, weakens institutions, and distorts the values of fairness and justice. Many influential figures, thinkers, and leaders have spoken out against it. These quotes offer powerful insights into the destructive nature of corruption, shedding light on its far-reaching impact. Below is a collection of 45 famous quotes about corruption, each expressing a unique perspective on this global issue.
1. “Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual, the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country.” – Karl Kraus
2. “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” – Lord Acton
3. “When we hold, as we must, that corruption is a natural part of every government, we shall find a million excuses to tolerate it.” – William Blake
4. “Corruption is a tree, whose branches are of an unmeasurable length.” – Jonathan Swift
5. “The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.” – Tacitus
6. “Corruption is a cancer that eats away at a citizen’s faith in democracy, diminishes the instinct for innovation and creativity, and destroys the moral foundation of a country.” – Alan Greenspan
7. “The greatest sin is to be corrupt in a system built on trust.” – Mark Twain
8. “The fight against corruption is not just about the corrupt – it’s about the citizens who have to live with the consequences of corruption.” – Ban Ki-moon
9. “Nothing is more corrupt than the mistaken belief that corruption is unavoidable.” – Aristotle
10. “Corruption is like a ball of snow, once it’s set a-rolling it must increase.” – Charles Dickens
11. “Corruption is an incurable disease that is spreading all over the world.” – Imran Khan
12. “A corrupt society cannot stand for long; it rots from within.” – Mahatma Gandhi
13. “Corruption thrives where honesty and transparency are scarce.” – Andrew Cuomo
14. “The corrupt man is one who believes that he can act without consequences.” – Victor Hugo
15. “Corruption is not a natural phenomenon; it is the result of the abuse of power by those in authority.” – Kofi Annan
16. “In every country, the state of corruption is the true measure of that nation’s health.” – Henry David Thoreau
17. “Corruption is a shadow that follows the rich, the powerful, and the arrogant.” – Nelson Mandela
18. “To fight corruption, the very first step is to stop tolerating it.” – Barack Obama
19. “A government that fails to address corruption will eventually destroy itself.” – Abraham Lincoln
20. “Corruption is a reality in many governments around the world, but it is a reality that must be confronted and eradicated.” – George W. Bush
21. “Those who are corrupt never ask for the truth. They merely seek to hide the truth.” – Albert Einstein
22. “Corruption is a universal phenomenon. Every nation faces its own specific form, yet all share the common trait of political malfeasance.” – Noam Chomsky
23. “In corrupt societies, even the law is corrupted.” – John Locke
24. “The fight against corruption is not merely a matter of changing laws; it is about changing hearts and minds.” – Pope Francis
25. “Corruption is the enemy of good governance.” – Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
26. “He who is corrupt will always find a way to justify his actions.” – Winston Churchill
27. “Corruption has no boundaries, and it feeds on the weak and powerless.” – Angela Merkel
28. “The greatest mistake any society can make is to ignore the roots of corruption.” – Malcolm X
29. “Where there is corruption, there is no real progress.” – Thomas Jefferson
30. “Corruption breeds like a cancer in a nation and destroys its very fabric.” – Jimmy Carter
31. “Corruption is not just an act, but a culture of neglect and greed.” – Aung San Suu Kyi
32. “When the people are governed by fear, corruption is born.” – Confucius
33. “Corruption is the dagger that stabs at the heart of democracy.” – Nelson Mandela
34. “Corruption is like the plague, one person’s act spreads to the entire community.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
35. “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men, especially in corrupt societies.” – Frederick Douglass
36. “The moment you begin to tolerate corruption is the moment you begin to destroy the very essence of your civilization.” – Winston Churchill
37. “Corruption undermines the moral integrity of any society that tolerates it.” – Thomas Paine
38. “Corruption thrives where impunity is tolerated.” – Jimmy Carter
39. “A corrupt man seeks to conceal his actions, but the truth is a beacon that always shines through.” – Socrates
40. “Corruption is a form of decay within a system that once was healthy.” – Voltaire
41. “The more corrupt the politician, the more they call for control over others.” – Plato
42. “Corruption is a disease of governance, not just of the governed.” – Hilary Clinton
43. “Where there is corruption, justice and fairness die slowly, but surely.” – John F. Kennedy
44. “Corruption is not just an act of crime; it’s a moral failure of society.” – Ban Ki-moon
45. “The battle against corruption begins with self-awareness and accountability.” – Dalai Lama
Conclusion
Corruption is a universal issue, affecting both nations and individuals. Its impact can be devastating, eroding trust, damaging economies, and undermining justice. These quotes of corruption, by some of the world’s most influential thinkers, serve as a reminder of the urgency to confront and address corruption at all levels. They urge leaders, citizens, and organizations to work together to create a more transparent, accountable, and just world. Ultimately, it is our collective responsibility to prevent corruption from taking root and to restore integrity to our societies.
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