power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely !?

Question

what does it mean?

Answer 1

It means just what it says. If one has absolute power, eventually it will corrupt absolutely.

Answer 2

The actual phrase is:
"Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely"
--Lord Acton

Acton was observing the common failing of any person, when in possession of power over persons and things, to misuse that power for personal gain/pleasure. The temptation of being ABLE to work one's will is very compelling

In cases when a person has had more or less complete power--so much so that he/she cannot be held accountable by others, or can use that power to avoid responsibility, that unchecked (absolute) power will inevitably lead to abuse and corruption on the part of the power-holder.

Answer 3

It expresses, poetically, a direct correllation between the amount of power exercised by an individual or group, and the degree of corruption to be found in that individual or group.

It is an argument for limitting the power of government, and for limitting the power of any one person within any organization - most particularly, it is a condemnation of dictatorship.

Answer 4

Definition from Merriam-Webster's dictionary at http://www.m-w.com :

CORRUPT

Main Entry: 1cor·rupt
Pronunciation: k&-'r&pt
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin corruptus, past participle of corrumpere, from com- + rumpere to break -- more at REAVE
transitive verb
1 a : to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions; also : BRIBE b : to degrade with unsound principles or moral values
2 : ROT, SPOIL
3 : to subject (a person) to corruption of blood
4 : to alter from the original or correct form or version
intransitive verb
1 a : to become tainted or rotten b : to become morally debased
2 : to cause disintegration or ruin

Answer 5

GWB recently signed a Presidential Directive that would give him absolute power. I think that pretty much sums it up.

Answer 6

3 examples:
Hugo Chavez
Sadaam Hussein
George W. Bush

Answer 7

Happens to everyone – it goes to their heads – happened even in the bible times – look at the story of David and Bathsheba.

It is soldiers who pay most of the human cost. In war it is extraordinary how it all comes down to the character of one man - Creighton W. Abrams, Jr.