"أن تحكم يعني أن تنهب كما يعلم الجميع"

The essence of the quote is that those in power often exploit their position for personal gain, taking advantage of the people and resources they are supposed to protect and manage. It’s a cynical view of governance, suggesting that corruption is almost an inherent part of ruling.

Historically, this sentiment has been echoed many times. Think about the feudal lords in medieval Europe who taxed their serfs heavily, or the colonial powers who drained the resources of their colonies for profit. It’s been a recurring theme throughout history—wherever there’s power, there seems to be a tendency for those in charge to abuse it.

Take, for example, the recent scandal involving the Brazilian oil company Petrobras. Executives were found guilty of accepting bribes and kickbacks from contractors in exchange for awarding them lucrative deals. This corruption scandal, known as Operation Car Wash, shook the nation and led to the imprisonment of top politicians and business leaders. What started as a scheme to enrich a few ended up costing the country billions and damaging public trust in the government.

So, how can we apply this somewhat bleak wisdom to our lives? First, it’s a reminder to always be vigilant and question authority. If you’re involved in any organization or group where power is centralized, keep an eye out for signs of corruption or misuse of power. Transparency and accountability are key—push for these in your workplace, community, and even in national politics.

Imagine you’re part of a homeowners association (HOA). It’s a small-scale example, but the principles are the same. You notice that the president of the HOA has started making unilateral decisions without consulting the other members. They’re hiring their friends for maintenance work without open bids, and suddenly there’s less transparency about how dues are being spent. What do you do? Well, you rally your neighbors, demand financial reports, and insist on a transparent bidding process for contracts. By doing this, you help ensure that the power isn’t being misused and that the community’s resources are being managed fairly.

Now, let’s paint a more relatable picture. Think about a time when you were part of a group project in school or at work. There’s always that one person who takes charge—sometimes they’re great, but other times, they might start making decisions that benefit themselves more than the team. Maybe they’re taking credit for ideas that weren’t theirs or allocating resources in a way that doesn’t seem fair. You’ve got a choice: you can either let it slide, hoping it won’t get worse, or you can speak up and suggest a more democratic approach where everyone’s voice is heard. It’s a small step, but it’s about fostering a culture where power isn’t abused.

In short, this quote is a call to be aware of the potential for exploitation in any system of governance. By staying informed, demanding accountability, and being proactive in challenging abuses of power, you can help create a fairer, more just environment—whether that’s in your local community, workplace, or on a larger scale.