Does power corrupt?

Answer 1

Technically no. Just like money is not the root of all evil. The love of money is the root of all evil and the love of power and the desire for more power is what causes it to corrupt people.

Answer 2

An interesting question!

Power often breeds the desire for more power. The problem is that this can often lead to decisions being made in the interests of retaining power.

A politician may get into politics because of their ideals and their visions for making the world a better place. Sadly, it is often the case that once that person gets into office, they will do anything to stay there, even if that means giving up on what they once stood for or doing morally questionable things to satisfy others with power.

I wouldn't say that power always corrupts, but it certainly can.

Answer 3

This is the case for character. Nothing can corrupt the incorruptible. Anything can corrupt the corruptible. A certain degree of corruption is probably inevitable and probably should be tolerated but it should never be accepted.
Yet, people vote for charming liars like Bill Clinton all the time. They even marveled at his ability to lie.

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Answer 4

That's what Lord Acton said. I would argue that many of those seeking it are somewhat corrupt already.
Imperfections are one thing, but power as a means to an end is another. Most of the major leaders in history had flaws, some became far worse afterwards.

Answer 5

Those endowed with power always have the choice to use it for good, or for evil. And then there is always the third choice...power for self serving purposes. And I believe that we are seeing alot of the third kind of late. But in a democracy, the people are endowed with the responsibility to ensure that the power is utilized effectively and for the common good. If we don't exercise that right, we deserve the corruption thrust upon us...

Answer 6

Power corrupts those who want to be corrupted.

Answer 7

Yes and absolute power corrupts absolutely

Answer 8

yes. anyone put in the position to make decisions for people will make those decisions based upon the morals that the person in charge has (and everyone's definition of what is moral differs), an will never be able to make a decision totally bipartisan. just as a person who gets a better job will become accustomed to spending more money, so will a person who comes into power. that's why communism works out so great in theory, but to be able to put the right person in charge... it will never happen. just look at what this country (america) was founded on and look at how it is today. the people don't take responsibility for the way things have gone out of control, so naturally, those in charge won't be put in check.

Answer 9

Yeah! When it goes to your pretty head. That's why no body is given absolute power because absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Answer 10

even God's power corrupted through Satan, to an extinct