To know the pains of power, we must go to those who have it; to know its pleasures, we must go to those who are seeking it. The pains of power are real; its pleasures imaginary.

Summary

This quote suggests that true understanding of the burdens of power can only be gained by those who possess it, while the allure of power can only be truly experienced by those in pursuit of it. It highlights the idea that the difficulties and challenges associated with holding power are authentic and tangible, whereas the joys and satisfactions often associated with power are often illusory or perceived rather than being based on concrete reality. Ultimately, it emphasizes the dichotomy between the real hardships of power and the imagined pleasures that come with seeking it.

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