Why does power have a tendency to corrupt?

bobcat

bobcat

Well-known Member
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Northern Calif
Does it actually change a person? Is there something in the human psyche that is awakened when a person gains control of resources and people.
Granted, it doesn't happen all the time, but likely more often than not.
What is it about control that is intoxicating?
Looking at it a different way, could it be that those who thirst for power are ultimately the ones who often end up with it, and they were already corrupted, but had no way to exert it?
 

bobcat said:
Does it actually change a person? Is there something in the human psyche that is awakened when a person gains control of resources and people.
Granted, it doesn't happen all the time, but likely more often than not.
What is it about control that is intoxicating?
Looking at it a different way, could it be that those who thirst for power are ultimately the ones who often end up with it, and they were already corrupted, but had no way to exert it?
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I would suggest that those who seek power already have an ego issue which is most likely because deep down they feel inferior.
 
I was reading an interview with a young woman who had been the most popular girl in school--due to being very beautiful, wealthy, and spoiled rotten by her idiot parents--from the time she was about 8. Her parents got divorced and became poor when she was about 17, which woke the gal up, she had to grow up fast and learned a lot in about a year and was regretful of the way she treated others when she was on top of the world. But she said she sometimes missed those days of being a "queen bee" because she said there's nothing in the world like that feeling of power, that she could still get the shivers about it just remembering those days, that it was even better than sex.

So I think that anybody having too much power is a real danger because I think almost all (or all) humans can become addicted to power very quickly.
 

I think it depends on the individual. You have to be of poor character to abuse power. Take a USA president for example…arguably one of the most powerful people in the world. Past examples include Jimmy Carter, Obama, Bush, Raegan. All pretty decent people. Then you have Warren Buffett and some other very rich who are pretty darn nice. And then you have those who abuse their power…become above the law…and some are so bold as to say it.
 
Per Google tersely:

In psychology, having power can lead to several potential benefits, including:
  • increased confidence
  • a greater sense of agency
  • the ability to pursue goals more effectively, improved decision-making
  • feeling more comfortable expressing oneself authentically
  • potentially even enhanced well-being
  • individuals with power may feel freer to act on their desires and take initiative without feeling overly constrained by social norms
However, it's important to note that the potential downsides of power, such as potential for abuse or decreased empathy, must also be considered.
 
As mentioned above, those essentially weak people that seek out positions of power and authority to lift up their weakened psyche and internal self worth to a level that they feel is equal to others.
The other school of thought is those that are egotistical, ego-maniacal already, and seek out a position to be the 'ruler'.

The question is, which one becomes worse in a position of power. I believe a person who is already an egotistical, pompous, holier than thou ends up being the worst kind of leader. They have to ensure that everyone knows they are in power and they they don't care if you think they are doing something wrong. THEY are in power, not you.

Of course those who are frail, weak minded, demure individuals that seek power can and many time do become dictatorial, but I believe they are much fewer than the aforementioned.
This would be an interesting research project for comparative studies. Compare the upbringing and scholastic career, as well as social status, friends, relationships and family of current politicians. See who fit which category.

As the question asks, is it power that corrupts, or unchecked power that corrupts. I believe the latter. As a Canadian we have an unchecked leader and he is a corrupt as can be. The rumors, stories and even public accusations about him are unbelievable at times. He was a egotistical kid, a teen, as a teacher and even worse as a leader.
 
Muskrat said:
I think it depends on the individual. You have to be of poor character to abuse power. Take a USA president for example…arguably one of the most powerful people in the world. Past examples include Jimmy Carter, Obama, Bush, Raegan. All pretty decent people. Then you have Warren Buffett and some other very rich who are pretty darn nice. And then you have those who abuse their power…become above the law…and some are so bold as to say it.
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Yes, I was ruminating on the phrase "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". It was spoken by Lord Acton, but was a rephrasing of William Pitt The Elder. At any rate, it appears to convey the message that power can be a corrupting influence (But not always), however, absolute power that is unchecked is always too much for human mortals.

I would agree that the presidential examples you gave did seem to be decent people, but we also need to remember that they didn't have absolute power. I think some seek power so they may effect change in the world that they believe is necessary or beneficial. Often, we equate power with money, and the landscape is littered with examples of it bringing out the worst in people. But then you also see others who have a generous heart, and it doesn't seem to change who they really are.

I wonder though, if you had the opportunity to have all power over everyone and everything, would you accept it? You would be godlike in authority. That would be a mighty sword for anyone to wield, and it would carry with it tremendous responsibility. In a sense, you would be able to shape the entire world (Metaphorically) to your desire. No doubt, someone with a self-serving desire would step up to the platform and don the badge without hesitation. It would scare the hell out of me, but why should it scare me, unless there is something inside that I don't fully trust.

Perhaps subconsciously, we realize that there is a human animal in all of us with it's primitive instincts for survival and desire for dominance. On the other hand, it seems the best antidote to power and corruption is humility. But how do you maintain that once everyone is intimidated by you? Nevertheless, if you didn't take the reins, it may fall into the hands of someone not so pure in heart, and you would know that you could have prevented it from happening.

Does true motivation and character always win out over power, or do each one of us have our limitations as to how much of anything we can ultimately handle. With power comes privilege, as well as intimidation. It would be a monumental challenge to use absolute power wisely. I think I would have a staff whose sole purpose would be to keep my ego corralled.
 
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bobcat said:
Yes, I was ruminating on the phrase "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". It was spoken by Lord Acton, but was a rephrasing of William Pitt The Elder. At any rate, it appears to convey the message that power can be a corrupting influence (But not always), however, absolute power that is unchecked is always too much for human mortals.

I would agree that the presidential examples you gave did seem to be decent people, but we also need to remember that they didn't have absolute power. I think some seek power so they may effect change in the world that they believe is necessary or beneficial. Often, we equate power with money, and the landscape is littered with examples of it bringing out the worst in people. But then you also see others who have a generous heart, and it doesn't seem to change who they really are.

I wonder though, if you had the opportunity to have all power over everyone and everything, would you accept it? You would be godlike in authority. That would be a mighty sword for anyone to wield, and it would carry with it tremendous responsibility. In a sense, you would be able to shape the entire world (Metaphorically) to your desire. No doubt, someone with a self-serving desire would step up to the platform and dawn the badge without hesitation. It would scare the hell out of me, but why should it scare me, unless there is something inside that I don't fully trust.

Perhaps subconsciously, we realize that there is a human animal in all of us with it's primitive instincts for survival and desire for dominance. On the other hand, it seems the best antidote to power and corruption is humility. But how do you maintain that once everyone is intimidated by you? Nevertheless, if you didn't take the reins, it may fall into the hands of someone not so pure in heart, and you would know that you could have prevented it from happening.

Does true motivation and character always win out over power, or do each one of us have our limitations as to how much of anything we can ultimately handle. With power comes privilege, as well as intimidation. It would be a monumental challenge to use absolute power wisely. I think I would have a staff whose sole purpose would be to keep my ego corralled.
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Interesting question...from a personal opinion, I would feel I would accept absolute power if given the chance. I have the intention of using it for good. Many lifetimes of experience has led me to believe I would right the wrongs, help the less fortunate, and punish those that deserve to be to the limits of my power. I think many people would do the same.

But, there is the million dollar question. Would it corrupt you? I know everyone in this section would think not. I truly believe that it would not corrupt me. But I am sure many a people in that position said the same only to take that fateful step to the 'other side'.

I think that question can only be answered with the actual opportunity, as words at this point would be moot.
 
Muskrat said:
Sometimes power is not absolute…but more than those around you have. We see this in corrupt law enforcement, churches ect. The actions of a few individuals color entire institutions with black. I have always felt that when a crime is committed by a person in power the punishment should be greater. Usually it is the opposite.
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Absolutely. It destroys societies trust in these institutions and paints them all with the same brush.
I wholeheartedly agree with increased punishment for those that break the Law that are in positions of power or authority...however great or small it is.
 
Tazx said:
Interesting question...from a personal opinion, I would feel I would accept absolute power if given the chance. I have the intention of using it for good. Many lifetimes of experience has led me to believe I would right the wrongs, help the less fortunate, and punish those that deserve to be to the limits of my power. I think many people would do the same.

But, there is the million dollar question. Would it corrupt you? I know everyone in this section would think not. I truly believe that it would not corrupt me. But I am sure many a people in that position said the same only to take that fateful step to the 'other side'.

I think that question can only be answered with the actual opportunity, as words at this point would be moot.
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Yeah, I visualize myself playing poker with the devil and betting I'm gonna win. Only problem is, he has nothing to lose, and I do. Would I lose my benevolent virtues if I had to deal with the dirty laundry of society every day, despite my trying to help them?

The concept of righting all the wrongs in society would be a Herculean task to say the least, but who really knows what's best for society with the idea in mind of creating some sort of Utopia.

Since you would have to rely on countless agencies to carry out your blueprint for society, there is bound to be corruption and consequences that will ultimately find their way to your doorstep. Not to mention that, despite one's best efforts, we all know you simply can't please everyone, and they may not even know, or agree what is best for them.

We may go into it being over-confident, but here’s the problem: When we feel powerful, we have these surges of dopamine going through our brain. We feel like we could accomplish just about anything. That’s where the power paradox begins, which is that very sense of ourselves when feeling powerful leads to our demise, and leads to the abuse of power.

Perhaps the concept of ourselves is merely an illusion. Numerous studies have shown that those in power consume more resources and feel more entitled. Sure, it doesn't start out that way, but erosion happens gradually. Accountability seems to keep people in check, and when it's gone, the conscience is free to take a vacation.
 
bobcat said:
Yeah, I visualize myself playing poker with the devil and betting I'm gonna win. Only problem is, he has nothing to lose, and I do. Would I lose my benevolent virtues if I had to deal with the dirty laundry of society every day, despite my trying to help them?

The concept of righting all the wrongs in society would be a Herculean task to say the least, but who really knows what's best for society with the idea in mind of creating some sort of Utopia.

Since you would have to rely on countless agencies to carry out your blueprint for society, there is bound to be corruption and consequences that will ultimately find their way to your doorstep. Not to mention that, despite one's best efforts, we all know you simply can't please everyone, and they may not even know, or agree what is best for them.

We may go into it being over-confident, but here’s the problem: When we feel powerful, we have these surges of dopamine going through our brain. We feel like we could accomplish just about anything. That’s where the power paradox begins, which is that very sense of ourselves when feeling powerful leads to our demise, and leads to the abuse of power.

Perhaps the concept of ourselves is merely an illusion. Numerous studies have shown that those in power consume more resources and feel more entitled. Sure, it doesn't start out that way, but erosion happens gradually. Accountability seems to keep people in check, and when it's gone, the conscience is free to take a vacation.
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Great point. Being the supreme almighty ruler with grand ideas to end world hunger and poverty may be great, but we are at the mercy of the very agencies that we rule over.
 
Power is an intoxicant. I prefer the concept of leadership, in particular leadership that involves personal sacrifices and a willingness to serve others rather than oneself.

Luke 12:48 touches on the obligations of privilege.

"But the one who did not know and did what deserved punishment will receive a light beating. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be expected."

Sadly, the law does not usually follow this principle. All to often, the poor and ignorant have the book thrown at them but the wealthy and well-connected escape punishment for their misdeeds.
 
officerripley said:
This article is 5 years old, but I just stumbled on it, kind of interesting, "Power Blocks Empathy":

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-empathy/201909/power-blocks-empathy
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Nice article. I'm not sure that power and empathy must always be exclusive, but probably more often the case than not.
It still makes me wonder if those people with admirable virtues seldom rise to power, or they somehow hemorrhage those qualities once they assume command, and before they realize it, they are disconnected from their former self.

Like them or not, people like Bill & Melinda Gates have donated over 50 billion to charitable organizations. Now one could argue that they are doing it for publicity, but I really don't think that's the case. They really do seem to care about others, which fosters my belief that one can hang onto their humanity and philanthropic characteristics despite the plague of power.

Maybe it's a blind spot with me, but I think I tend to believe that power and money merely amplifies what is already there (Dormant or otherwise).
 
What I find, leaving the standard power corrupts idea to the side for a minute, is for some reason those in positions of money (a version of power in a way) think they know better than anyone else. They feel like they can make decisions for all because they have so much money. Eg: Soros, Gates and the lot. Despite having no actual governmental or real power, -in truth none at all- their influence is ridiculous. And questionable motives as well.
 


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