The famous quote, "With great power comes great responsibility," is often attributed to the character of Uncle Ben from the Spider-Man comic book series. However, the reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Peter Parker principle" is that it encapsulates a core theme in Peter Parker's life and character development.
Peter Parker is the alter ego of Spider-Man, and he was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko. The quote is first mentioned in "Amazing Fantasy" #15, which was published in August 1962. In this issue, Peter Parker gains his superpowers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. Initially, he uses his newfound abilities for personal gain, becoming a popular TV personality and showman.
However, in a tragic turn of events, Peter fails to stop a burglar, and the same criminal later goes on to murder his Uncle Ben. When Peter learns of the burglar's identity and realizes he could have stopped him earlier but didn't due to his selfishness, he feels responsible for his uncle's death. This guilt and loss profoundly impact Peter and lead him to adopt the mantra of "With great power comes great responsibility."
The phrase becomes a guiding principle for Peter Parker's life as Spider-Man. He understands that his abilities grant him the opportunity to make a positive difference and protect others. From that moment on, he dedicates himself to using his powers for the greater good and fighting crime, embodying the idea that superheroes must be responsible for the consequences of their actions.
The quote has since become one of the most iconic and memorable lines in comic book history, representing the essence of Spider-Man's character and the moral values he upholds. Its enduring popularity has led to its association with the character of Peter Parker, encapsulating the transformative lesson he learned from the loss of Uncle Ben.