Does power corrupt the mind? The influence of power on moral reasoning and self-interested behavior.
A tale of two quotes: When power "corrupts" and when it triggers "great responsibility" and reveals who the leaders really are... what a learning curve!
“Power corrupts” refers to the assertion of 19th-century British historian Lord Acton who said that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Today, scientists say that power causes a chemical reaction in the brain that can lead to elevated mood and disconnection from reality.
As the Washington Post says, "power is like an amplifier. Who we were before becomes stronger."
The article adds that in fact, "power did not corrupt ordinary people. It corrupted people who were already inclined toward corruption."