When power corrupts man?

Question

It is said that power corrupts man. Why power correpts is a big question. It is not necessary that always power corrupts a man. The question that when the power corrupts a man is to be answered.

Answer 1

Power corrupts because people have egos. Without the ego, power would not corrupt and people in such positions would continue doing things in a logical fashion, looking out for their fellow men. I dare say that without egos, there would be no evil among men.

Answer 2

That depends on your definition of corruption. Most people understand corruption to mean moral depravity, but not everyone's notion of morality is the same. We need only to look to hot button debates like stem cell research or welfare aid to see this difference. Using this definition of morality, we would have to look at situations indivudally for each system of morality to determine when and how an individual was "corrupted".

If we understand corruption to mean an alteration or a marring of purpose, then it is a little more clear cut. For example, if a politician says at the beginning of his term, "My goal during my tenure is to increase aid to the poorest citizens," then later implements policy that ignores the disparity between the rich and the poor, we could say that his plans had been corrupted.

Let's say, however, that we do have a specific value system in mind with which to evaluate a person's morality. Take Christianity as an example. If we say that a person who does not abide by the Christian notion of morality is corrupt, then the point at which he deviates from Biblical doctrine is the point at which he becomes corrupt.

Answer 3

Power does corrupt a man. A powerful man starts thinking that the power that he has is ultimate and he can do, say, and asking any thing from any body. But this can be reduced and eliminated by enforcing strong laws and other legislation so that the man who has been assigned the power and the authority does not use it for corruption and misdeeds.

Answer 4

There is a saying--'Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.' Lord Acton 1887
I think you are asking at what point does power corrupt a person, well, I think only corrupt people really lust after power...maybe it is because of ego or money, but regardless, there is some reward that they seek in order to become "powerful"...and once they have attained power, they feel it is their "god-given" right to stay in power--no matter the cost.
That's what I think, anyway. :o)

Answer 5

Power surely corrupts a man. When u have power inur hands, ur the sole authority, That means, there is no one to govern u. U realize that u can cheat & get more that what u deserve. Hence power corrupts man. U can surely take the example of our gr8 politicians.

Answer 6

Whe he gets a taste of the power..
Finds out that power can get things done faster and with less problems..
He gets used to power and thats when he looks for the easy way out.

Power does not always corrupt man, it requires strong constitution.

"With great power comes greater responsibility." - Spiderman The movie,

Answer 7

If the man is weak minded enough, the feeling of power can "drug" his mind. In his euphoria he might think his power extends beyond its real potential, he can start seeing other people as inferior and believe he is more important. Its closely related to vanity; perhaps low self esteem too, since a person who feels inferior and suddenly gains power will feel the need to overcompensate.

Answer 8

the illusion that one has power...is just that.... an illusion...when
one is placed in a position where he has authority over others jobs, lives etc...)boss, landlord, bank financier,,,etc...) and is not a responsible human being for the betterment of mankind...and steps on those who are struggling...then he most definitely is corrupted...and probably doesn't understand that his day is coming...man becomes corrupted when he lacks wisdom understanding and compassion.

Answer 9

power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. when one attains a powerful position full chances of him misusing it as he knows others are in awe of him & hav to obey him.but it need not be necessary always.an ethical person will never do it

Answer 10

Man becomes arrogant and blood thirsty when he feels he is all powerful and there is none to stop him. This is a natural phenomenon as at this juncture he does not like to face any failure or challenge to his supremacy. Infact it is an animal instinct.