The Conundrum of Whether Power Truly Corrupts

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. — Lord Aton

It is often said that power corrupts, but perhaps it is more accurate to assert that power reveals one's true nature.

People in power are afforded more opportunities to engage in malfeasance than those without such influence. A president has an entire nation's resources at his disposal and may occasionally gain access to otherwise esoteric method of augmenting his personal wealth at the expense of others.

Conversely, a person marooned on a deserted island may appear to be the most virtuous simply because he has no opportunity to commit wrongdoing. His apparent righteousness, then, is not proof of incorruptibility; given the chance, he too might succumb.

Instead of believing that power inherently corrupts, I believe that power enables. Most who wield it may not begin as malevolent individuals, yet many falter in the face of its alluring promises.

Paradoxically, power tends to attract the wrong people while repelling the right ones. This dichotomy contributes to the prevalence of morally compromised global leaders.

We don't need to struggle with the enmity of power; rather, it can serve as a litmus test for integrity. Grant someone authority, and observe how their character unfolds.