Quote by W. R. [William Ralph] Inge
A man may build himself a throne of bayonets, but he can't sit on it.
Summary
This quote suggests that power and authority obtained through violence or aggression may be superficial and ultimately meaningless. It implies that a person can use force and intimidation to acquire a position of control, symbolized by the throne built with bayonets, but they cannot truly enjoy or benefit from that power. It highlights the ephemeral nature of such dominance, emphasizing that true authority and influence come from genuine respect and support, rather than fear or coercion.