Does power really corrupt? Isn't it a case of a bad person having more opportunity to do evil?

Question

We can't trust the opinions of those who themselves have the power to make this debatable statement sound like a self-evident truth; they are jealous pseudo-intellectual weaklings such as Sophocles, who flamed Oedipus and Ulysses (Odysseus). When this misinterpretation is applied to someone, he was usually phony and corruptible from the beginning anyway. His ambition was never for him, as he claims to others it was, "the only practical way to get any good done." George Washington, who had the power of Hitler or Stalin within his grasp, didn't give in to the temptation. Personally, if you have people look up to you for some reason, do you really feel compelled to bully them? Another reason for this lie is if a passive coward doesn't want to follow a leader who can achieve something, he can always say that the leader will wind up a dictator.

Answer 1

In my opinion power does not corrupt. Many powerful people are not corrupt. Those who are would be corrupt in some way with no power at all. The individual is susceptable to corruption because of a lack within themselves, integrity, morals, etc.

Answer 2

Power does corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely (Lord Acton.)
By the way, Sophocles may have "flamed Ulysses (Odysseus)", but he also portrayed him favorably:
"Sophocles characterized Odysseus quite favorably in "Ajax", but as the years went by and he was near the end of his career, he gave a very different portrayal of him in his tragedy, "Philoctetes". Why? One can only speculate on things that happened so long ago. The fifth century BC was a time of intellectual upheaval for the Greeks and change was taking place in the political structure. Many people were questioning the old aristocracy and their power, and the assertion that arete was something rich people are born with. Men, who were called sophists came to Athens with the message that arete was a teachable thing and as long as they had money, anyone could be taught. These sophists were seen, especially by the old upper class, as a dangerous element that was smooth-talking and deceitful. A group who would end up causing havoc. In some ways, they were right and steps toward democracy were helped along by the introduction and innovations of men like Protagorus. Did Sophocles concentrate on some of Odysseus' well-known personality traits and turn him into a "political man, of a type which may be recognizable to fifth-century audiences?"(39) Whatever the reason, Odysseus is a different man than the one seen in "Ajax," but some of his original characteristics were still evident.

Answer 3

Wow! If only life were so simple! Do a Yahoo search of "Eminent Domain Abuse," and see how much abuse of power is going on all around this country. (Granted, it's going on all over the world, but that cited example is just a case in point.)
Anymore, unfortunately, voters don't assess your honesty and integrity as a prerequisite to voting for you. We vote now for the least of evils. If you are opposed to any use of eminent domain for so-called economic development, you have automatically lost the election before it was even held. If in office, you oppose any hyped plans cooked up by local officials and developers, you're automatically a lame-duck.
The U. S. Supreme Court is a clutch of nazi moral-prostitutes. They no longer interpret the Constitution for its intentions for freedom and justice but for how it can be circumvented by what abuses it doesn't specifically limit. So, unfortunately, though power may not corrupt, the ability to use it depends upon corruption, greed, and the self-interest of the few.
The New World Order is dictatorship in sheep's clothing! Long live American nationalism!

Answer 4

i think it is the power to the wrong person. If yo gave the power of presidency to a common person who has been through trials and tribulations of the average person, they may be able to make more fair judgments on decisions for the common american, which there are more of. but then again those desicions could be what piss off the fortunate ones. if i had power, i would use it for good. i would help those who need it and do all i can to make everyone happy. or at least do my best to. i am just that kind of person. but mainly most people are taught when growing up to make sure you are happy first then others. i was taught that way, but i would do both at the same time. i would make others happy and that would make me happy.

Answer 5

Power is an absolute value (to borrow a mathematical term), a tool to be used for a purpose. It varies in magnitude and its effects are largely determined by the will and ability of its user.

Answer 6

well im sorry to say but everything you said is right? You should read the book The Wave, by Todd Strasser. It talks about that.

Answer 7

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible"
--George Washington

Answer 8

No!!! I know alote of pasters who haven't.

Answer 9

well, the oportunity itself could be considered their power.
=)

Answer 10

YEA