What does this famous phrase mean? [View All]

[flowomo]

I could probably Google this and find an answer, but then I wouldn't post this question, which others may have, and others may wish to comment on. If you think it's a stupid question, please spare me your ridicule and just move on.

We have all heard the old Quaker saying (at least I think it's Quaker in origin), "Speak truth to power," and many of us have used it.

But to be honest, I have never really understood what it means.

Does it mean, "Speak the truth the those in power"?
Or does it mean, "Speak truth to gain power"?

Or does it mean something else?

Or does it mean both things above and perhaps more?

What do you think it means, and where did you learn that meaning?