Skip to main content
A quote from Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight by the character Harvey Dent in reference to Julius Caesar and Batman. Repeated by Batman at the end of the film.

There are several possible meanings:

1. Absolute power eventually corrupts (as in the case of Julius Caesar).
2. Being consistently heroic is difficult if not impossible, circumstances will eventually push you towards villainy (as in the case of Harvey Dent and Batman).
3. Public opinion can easily change and will eventually change. Many people have the tendency find faults even when there are none. It can also be easily manipulated. You might adhere to your code despite 1. and 2., you can still be painted as a villain by your enemies (as in the case of what Joker did to Batman).
4. Villainy and Heroism are relative and not absolute. "Good" will change with time. Different people have different concepts of "good" (the actions of Julius Caesar can be judged very differently by different people throughout the different ages). In many situations, the line between the two concepts can be very blurry (following the law versus vigilantism).
You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain
by Project Book August 5, 2015
mugGet the You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain mug.

upper echelon

It is the higher level of any group.
upper echelon in the military refers to people of higher ranks (usually officers) in everyday life it is in references to bosses and managers and the like
by countessa January 14, 2009
mugGet the upper echelon mug.

Eschew Obfuscation, Espouse Elucidation

An ironic statement that means avoid ambiguity and adopt clarity. It's ironic because it is hypocritical.
Instead of saying eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation, Mary just told us to avoid confusion and be clear.
by Alicat III November 6, 2009
mugGet the Eschew Obfuscation, Espouse Elucidation mug.

echelon

1.An elite group of fans completely dedicated to the service of the Mars Army. 2.Thirty Seconds To Mars fanbase
(see 30STM)
What's with the facination with the Echelon?
by sychidelica December 28, 2005
mugGet the echelon mug.

Eschelbacheran

1. (adj) of or pertaining to one who has mad physics game
2. (adj) sarcastic and sassy
Wow, his physics prowess is almost eschelbacheran.
by PhysicsPro March 20, 2010
mugGet the Eschelbacheran mug.

either-or scenario

Either you are fully compliant with a rule or you don't get the credit
For an exam, it's a either-or scenario, either you pass it or you fail.
by Didou April 5, 2010
mugGet the either-or scenario mug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email