Power Quotes in Boardwalk Empire

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

For nearly 30 years, Enoch "Nucky" Johnson lived the life of a decadent monarch, with the power to satisfy his every want. (5.3)

See what we mean? Nucky becomes the King of Atlantic City, wielding his political and social power like a lightsaber. You know what they say: Absolute power corrupts absolutely. When the guy in question is already pretty corrupt, however, things are going to get nasty.

Quote #5

When a community is thriving, everyone wants power. This was especially true in the resort where the political spoils systems was woven into the fabric of the community. (5.31)

Of course more power leads to more problems… or something like that. Although no one is going to be able to take a swipe at Nucky's throne for some time, it's clear that a big storm is brewing. Like moths attracted to a lamp, power-hungry people are starting to gather around Nucky in the hopes of taking a piece of him with them. It's tough out there for a boss, huh?

Quote #6

Larson and Kean offered Nucky the state chairmanship of the Republican Party, but he turned it down. His power was beyond positions and titles. (5.68)

At this point, Nucky is beyond politics altogether. That doesn't mean that he doesn't have his hands in the political game, however—no matter what happens, you can bet that Nucky is pulling the strings. That being said, Nucky realizes that it's much wiser to wield power from the shadows, as it protects him and his organization from prying eyes.