Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely?

1. 71

   Cagsilposted 14 years ago

   Hey Hubbers,
   
   What do you think? Yes or No?
   
   Not really looking for discussion, but it might happen anyways.
   
   Thank you for your time.

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2. 59

   recommend1posted 14 years ago

   This is an insidious lie that excuses those in authority in the same way that the confessional excuses a paedophile priest.
   
   The Dalai Llama was in absolute authority over Tibet but was not corrupted as far as I am aware, which is why so many people have respect for him, even 50 years after his removal from that power.
   
   Corruption goes hand in hand with wealth and corrupts through the relationship of wealth with power.

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3. 0

   Motown2Chitownposted 14 years ago

   I personally feel that it isn't absolute power that corrupts absolutely, but rather the QUEST for absolute power.  No one ultimately has absolute power over another as long as the other remains free.  But, even the smallest amount of power for someone with questionable character makes them hunger for more.  I think Abraham Lincoln is the one who said (paraphrased) that nearly any man can stand adversity, but if you wanted to test a man's true character, give him power.  It's a maniacal belief that you can take the little power you have and increase it all on your own, and ultimately control everything around you that I truly believe causes the corruption.
   
   Interesting question. 

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   1. 71

      Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Quite a profound statement. Adversity happens everyday, power comes and goes, depending upon the character of the person.
      I hope the above isn't your conclusion of Lincoln's statement. Even with that said, what you did post, actually could cause corruption in one form or another.
      Good to know.

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      1. 0

         Motown2Chitownposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         No, I believe Lincoln's words are relevant in that a man's character is TRULY tested when you give him power.
         
         My opinion (let's see if I can state it more clearly this time) is that once a man of questionable character has a small taste of power, he develops an absolute hunger for it.  In his quest to satisfy that absolute hunger, he can become absolutely corrupt.
         
         Better?
         
         

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         1. 71

            Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Okay.

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4. 0

   Stevennix2001posted 14 years ago

   It ultimately depends on the person.  If a person remains humble even after acquiring said power, then obviously not for that particular case.  However, if you have a person that's always been vengeful, or someone that feels like they've been socially repressed most of their lives, then you might see some corruption in power.  Another factor to bear in mind is that the world isn't as black and white as it seems.  As sometimes a strong leader has to be willing to do what's right that may seem unpopular to the rest of the people at the time.

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