Our great power does not mean we can do whatever we want whenever

Hear the words of John McCain, warrior and statesman, who declared: “Our great power does not mean we can do whatever we want whenever we want, nor should we assume we have all the wisdom and knowledge necessary to succeed.” In this solemn reminder lies an ancient truth: that strength, when untempered by humility, becomes arrogance, and arrogance leads not to triumph but to ruin. For even the mightiest empire must remember that power is a gift entrusted, not a license to command the world without restraint.

The ancients spoke of this balance. The Greeks told of hubris, the pride that blinded kings and heroes until the gods struck them down. Xerxes, ruler of Persia, sought to bridge the sea with chains and lash the waters into obedience, believing his vast armies could command even nature itself. Yet at Salamis, a smaller fleet shattered his pride, and his empire faltered. Thus McCain’s words echo the timeless warning: power without wisdom is fragile, and wisdom without humility is false.

So too history recalls the lesson of Rome. At its height, Rome commanded legions that stretched across the known world. Yet in her arrogance, she believed her wisdom complete, her might eternal. Corruption, overreach, and the disdain of conquered peoples gnawed at her foundations. The empire fell not from lack of strength, but from lack of restraint. The glory of Rome became dust, for she assumed she could do whatever she wished, and that assumption betrayed her.

McCain, who himself bore scars of captivity and war, spoke with the voice of one who knew the limits of human pride. His warning was not only for nations but for individuals. Each person, when given authority or talent, is tempted to believe they are beyond counsel, that their own knowledge is sufficient. But true greatness lies in knowing one’s limits, in seeking the wisdom of others, and in using power for service rather than domination. Humility is the crown of the strong.

Consider the tale of George Washington, who after leading an army to victory, could have crowned himself king. Yet he refused such temptation, knowing that unchecked power would betray the very principles he had fought for. In his humility, he laid down command and submitted to the voice of the people. By renouncing what he could have seized, he secured a legacy that outshone all emperors. Washington proved McCain’s truth: the greatest leaders are those who temper power with restraint and wisdom.

The meaning of McCain’s words is therefore twofold. First, they remind us that power is not freedom to act without consequence, but responsibility to act with justice and foresight. Second, they reveal that no man or nation holds all wisdom. Success requires counsel, partnership, and the humility to admit that others may hold the key to what we lack. Arrogance isolates, but humility builds alliances that endure.

The lesson we must take is clear: whether in governance, in family, or in daily life, let not your strength blind you. Use your gifts with care, listen to the counsel of others, and seek wisdom beyond yourself. Do not believe that ability makes you infallible, nor that authority gives you the right to act without restraint. In this way, you will wield power not as a tyrant, but as a steward—worthy of respect and trust.

Thus, let McCain’s words be inscribed upon our hearts: our great power does not grant us license, nor does our knowledge make us complete. Let us walk in humility, tempered by wisdom, guided by justice. For the mighty who forget this shall surely fall, but those who remember it will endure as lights for generations to come.