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Power is said to be the ability to control the action of other people around you.when can change the decision of other people using force or negotiations you are are said to powerful.some types of power include,

Physical power (the rock)
Political power (Joe Biden)
Economic power ( Alinko Dangote)
Expert power (Lionel Messi)
Referent power(Nelson Mandela)
Coercive power(Saddam Hussein) etc

Political power is said to be the ability to control people in a country without problem.but too much political power bring about dictators.

There is a popular saying that power corrupt, but absolute power corrupt absolutely.

The question is complicated somewhat by the fact that often those who seek power, particularly absolute power, are those who would use it selfishly for their own ends anyway. If someone wants to become an authoritarian dictator, succeeds in becoming one, and then starts to act in a corrupt fashion, we can't really suggest that it was attaining the power that made them behave that way... they were already that sort of person.

I'm not clear on that, and as you say it's a complicated question. On the one hand I think you are at least partly right, but I also think about the saying: "opportunity makes a thief" which, I think is also at least partly true and I think it is along the same lines of the sentence mentioned above:


So it's not all black or white.

Yes, certainly, it's both, you're right. We are to an extent shaped by our experiences. For example someone who has risen to a position of absolute power might see everyone else as inferior to him*, including those people whom, prior to his reaching that position, he viewed as colleagues and equals. It's both nature and nurture, it's not 'either/or', it's 'and'.



*it always seems to be a 'him'.

Power poisons the man who has it specially when it is too much. The government has most of the power over a country regardless of what type of government they have. As they get the chance to rule over and manipulate people's mind, it becomes a dessert for them that they always look for. No matter how good of a person a certain individual is, tempation sill come forth towards him and he will soon abuse his power. In any field actually, may it be the politics, sports, science and others, once the power given is already too much, the chances that corruption and greed will always be very high.

Well, the gap between male politicians to female politicians up to this date is still huge, so the existence of corruption will be more noticeable to male species. In the future where the number of female to male politcians is almost equal or equal, only then we can have a data that will prove if gender is a related for this "CORRUPTION"

It is clear that power leads to corruption, perhaps only a small margin of people with power, especially those in government, are not corrupt.
We need to change the system as corruption is an evil for society that has transcended in time. It is timely for technology to take over for example like the use of AI and blockchain.

Let's take a look at Singapore is one of the least corrupt countries one of the main reasons is that its government team receives high salaries so as not to be bribed.
But not all countries are in a position to pay high salaries to government officials.

Power doesn't really corrupt. It simply increases the corruption that is already in all people.

8)

Power requires giving up certain moral privileges that not everyone is willing to give up, there is the great difference when you have power for the benefit of the collective and not the individual, a very thin line by the way that allows some with great moral convictions to give in to obtain a power for your own benefit.

All the powers that you mention and that do not necessarily require individual examples, because you can have all of them in a single individual, e.g. You can exercise physical power through third parties, in any case fortunately although the gray area of ​​those who have power in some areas of life allow an imbalance at times, the power that seeks to do good makes the balance.

So individuals, regardless of the field where they work, what really matters is that they exercise their power within the correct moral environment, in that sense to determine if individuals are corrupt because they have certain privileges, physical, economic, political, talented, etc. that they misuse that power for their own benefit regardless of the collective, it cannot be determined so coldly nor can it be generalized, then the result of actions based on the use of that power is what determines whether there is corruption or not, that simple.

People are corrupted by the force of power everything has its source we think that there is a close relationship between the rise of corruption and political malpractice in this country. So there is no reason to think that jihad against corruption will bring special success if it cannot reduce corruption from the political arena people can now openly see the game of money in elections the nexus of corruption is clearly made here everyone is helpless to corruption.

Powerful people has the ability to bring changes into the life of others, very few did that in a good way while all others are bringing changes into their life and destroy the welfare of other people. All those people you gave referenced are started from scratch so its not about power its all about the dedication towards our goal everyday.

See the main point of concern is that powers come with abilities to use and handle them and if they are dedicated to the rightful owner and don't get into wrong hands then it's all good.

The Rock has gained physical powers with his hard work and gym dedication and he is making use of it by portraying him as action hero in movies and selling products like tequila and underarm music system and making billions but we cannot say him corrupt.

Someone needs to have those powers and you can also have them in any way you discover them but it all comes with responsibility if you take a deep look at it and corruption can ofcourse ruin it in destructive way.Suppose you have political or military powers in your hand as Biden and most powerful economy under your control but your personal benefitting decisions and your corrupt nature could make conditions worst for yourself and your country also.Why under developed or developing countries lag behind major nations in every aspect? Because the powerful people residing there are taking undue advantage of their powers and exercising full control over people's life.Your perception changes everything and if you ever have power that can effect others make best use of it not only for your personal benefits.

I should probably expand on my footnote. I'll start by saying that study after study has shown that innate differences between the male and female brain are either negligible or non-existent.

Obviously it has always been a 'him' because society has always unfairly placed men above women. We are making steps towards equality, but there is still a long way to go. However there is also the fact of societal gender roles. Aggression, ambition, and leadership, the sorts of characteristics that lead someone to want to become powerful, are traditionally expected male characteristics. A woman who is aggressive and ambitious is often seen (or portrayed) as straying beyond her prescribed role, likewise a man who is kind and nurturing.

What I am saying is that if for example we applied positive discrimination such that 50% of politicians are male and 50% female, then I think it would still be overwhelmingly men who become the corrupt autocrats... because of ingrained gender expectation. So it is not enough to apply equality simply in percentage terms, there is still the underlying issue to address: what society expects. I think we are making progress on this as well, but it's not generally as visible.

And personally I believe that someone — regardless of gender — who exhibits the more traditionally female characteristics might make the best leader.

Power can only currupt in an atmosphere or state whereby laws fragile. Where nobody is above laws power can't be currupt or abused

The problem is not in power, before people became powerful they were already corrupt only the positions that somehow give them power facilitates even more the corruption that these people already had before they had this power, look at the example of African leaders , African leaders are corrupt even before they have any power, power only makes corruption easier for African leaders. I've seen this so many times that I should even write a book with infinite pages.

Humans have the nature of wanting to have, feeling dissatisfied, and a place where mistakes lie.  When power moves from one center of power to another autonomous power center and when it is held by greedy humans it will cause damage.
 The Power of Good and corrupt fighting each other.  man chooses which power he wants to win.  Is it the power of good or the power of corrupt.

When we talk about political power, it carries different things like corruption, sincerity, advantages, disadvantages, Power changes human mentality and it causes quick decision, so everybody can know how to handle he or her own when it comes to their table, basically human being is greedy when it comes in terms of ability to control people and especially monetary aspect of it.

But laws are created by individuals. Creator of law is always about that law. Isn't it?

Remember the best quote that came from spiderman about power and responsibility. Too much power corrupts, that's true and without a sense of being responsible it destroys those that contain it.

  I think not all of them corrupted the power they had. But somehow there's some also corrupt because of they are blind of the things and they never think their people grievances and wanted. All people wanted a good rule model who run the Politics that's have a good vision and mission for their country. We all know it's hard to find a noble man or woman to run the Politics but a good thing to do as an individual is never vote buying to avoid regret in the end.

Economic power is the most dangerous of all. When a person has money to buy everything, he will buy everything if needed even the lives can be bought by the money.

But this is not what I mean by (Alinko Dangote) I have no idea who he is but China is an example of Economic power. A country with so much power from economy to military power is dangerous we are unsure yet of what they will do with the power they have.

In many cases power corrupted people in the past. I think that it is hard to resist the power if you have a long time. You will start to get used to it and don't want to give it up. In the end you will do everything you can to keep that power. Of course there are a few noble men who only focus on the good thing in the world like Ghandi for example. But these people are rare. Staying too long in politics will likely you corrupt you.

  Yes absolutely once you have a power and authority you are able to do anything in the politics,   an aside to those people who had a good intentions for hes/her country they are rear. And it's hard to find a person who had a good heart and bright intentions.

I add one funny comment - it is the people, who gives power above themselves to the hands of someone.

You are absolutely right.They say,power corruptsby absolute power corrupts corrupt absolutelyToo much of every thing is even bad.When one is overwhelmed with possession,he does things crazily.When someone has power,almost everything he does becomes problematic and corrupted.He influences things from ontop and waits for the outcome.

First off, The Rock isn't even the strongest man on earth, both on the wrestling entertainment world or in boxing or in any other physical combat.

Secondly, may be we will begin to consider the Talibans in Afghanistan as political power holders 🥱. BTW, Mr Biden is a weak president if compared with other super power presidents in Europe.

I like to refer to what Nelson Mandela had as Reverent power instead of Referent. Mandela was really exceptional in public life. However, I don't like how his family live ended with his divorced wife.

The rest listed, I make no comments.

On your question: Yes, of course power corrupts. Especially when the holder of such power isn't humble and disciplined. Even those who control wealth also show this level of attitude of snobbishness towards those who don't have and I see that as a clear case of corruption too.

It's a chicken or the egg question. If you were already corrupt, wouldn't you seek out a position that allows you to exploit people for your own personal gain?

I am not 100% on your definition of power but you can be sure I've got mine and its simple. In simple terms, power can be seen or defined as the ability of a person to influence or persuade some other persons decision through a means. That way, it coul be easily said that, that someone has got power over the other.

On if power could actually corrupt someone, yes it could and it does.
You know, having this feeling that, because of what ever means that is avail to you, you can pretty much influence a person's choice is very much a means for one to ignore. Not ignoring it simply means giving in to the immortals power might accord one's who wheels it. So yeah, power can corrupt someone.

Power corrupts definitely.Power is something that when owned,it creates another personality in an individual,and it only tend to make an individual arrogant.
Power is not humble,it does not humble any individual that  controls it,it tends to always be wicked and barbaric,depending on the nature of the individual that controls it.

Power can make a good person turn bad overnight.Power can make a humble person turn proud in just a second.Power injects pride in people.Power tends to intimidate when used by villain.

If he has no fear of sin, then destruction will come to him. Because power often makes people crazy and thirsty for glory, fame, wealth, honor and greed.

   Yes it's true a person without a fear of sin , they can do everything what they like in order just to praise him/her and all your mention will be get them.

Does power really corrupt?


Power doesn't corrupt. It simply enhances the ability to use the corruption that is already there.


8)

Yes offcourse
as Ragnar Lothbroak said in his drama "Vikings"
"Power attracts the Worst and Corrupts the Best"

Power currupt to an extent. Excess power makes leaders to look down on laws

True, a person is corrupted through their life, not by recieving trust or power.This is different, that is called "not knowing how to handle power".Being and asshole stems much deeper into a persons past and mental state.
There are several books on this  8)

I don't really understand you, i think you have to throw more light for we to understand you, i think the power we are talking of is government Power which is exercise to the people of the community not the power of atmosphere as you made mention of it.

Yes, it corrupts,but absolute power corrupts absolutely.It is when man is in power that you know his real character,he portrays it out and makes his subjects feel so inferior before him.

When it comes to absolute power,it talks about  being in total possession of power that cuts across every aspect of an individual's life.Here the rights of an individual is been abused and looked down upon by the leader or the person that posseses the power.
Power corrupts in a way that it tends to rubbish the ideas if other people,instilling pride in an individual thats in higher position.

Who defines what is "absolute power"? How do we know when to draw the line to know when an "absolute power" corrupts?

Power is something all humans have. We all have dominion over one thing or the other. In my opinion power doesn't corrupt... Too much power corrupts. Then again, too much of everything is bad.
Power is something strong, if you try to attain alot of it you must learn how to control it, and control yourself. If you do not learn to control it you'll get engulfed in it.it always leads to pride, which comes before a fall.

Power doesn't corrupt. The corruption is there long before the power. The reason we don't see the corruption when there is little or no power is, people without power are humbled by their weakness. So, they often don't act on what little power that might fall to them.

8)

If a corrupt man is given power,there is no way that he wouldn't display his corrupt habit. If power is given to someone,the way he operates without power remains the same,and some can hide their corrupt habit to deceive people but it can't be hidden for long. If you see a man that is in power and is corrupt,this means that he has been corrupt ever since the beginning before he came into power.

Let's take for example of the corrupt politicians that do everything in their power to make sure that they win elections by rigging it or even kill people for power. In my country,I will say that corruption leads to power and not power leads to corruption,because we hear big lies before elections and we see how the votes are sold out to a candidate that has paid for it and at the end the wrong candidate that is not the people's choice will be put into power.  Meaning a corrupt leader that used money to rig election, and he will continue with his corrupt act in power.

In Biden's case, his big American corruption is linked to blackmail that people in foreign countries are using against him... especially China. If Biden wasn't being blackmailed, his corruption might only be half of what it is.

8)

Yes you are correct about what you are saying, if a bad person has the power over all he's bad character will definitely show off one day even if the person is trying to hide it for people to see, although in this life you can't satisfy everybody because what you thinks is right it might be wrong for others and that's the nature of life.
Some people were not corrupt while they were common but untill they have the powers that's when they became corrupted, if a person is bad I don't think that the society will choose the person to lead them.
Well I am also a good Nigerian and I believe that there are good leaders out there but the real thing is that as long as you entered into the political seat those corrupt politicians out there will poison the mind of the good ones with money and if the person says A maybe after everything he will start think B so my conclusion is that let's do our best thsts all.

Political power does have the potential to corrupt officials. When individuals hold significant authority & decision making abilities it can be tempting for some to abuse their power for personal gain or to prioritise their own interests over those of the people they are meant to serve. Obviously not all officials succumb to this corruption. Some remain honest & dedicated to their responsibilities.It is crucial to promote transparency, accountability & ethical behaviour in politics to mitigate the risk of corruption.

  Power does corrupt, and with the saying power corrupts,  but absolute power corrupt absolutely, it proved that with great power comes great responsibilities and such responsibilities can lessen ones morals and this can be the typical hero to villian story. Such examples can be found in Government or politics as a person in a high state of power tends to abuse it.

  Whereas morals are weakened because of absolute power, where there's little or no remorse of the decisions or actions made, be it good, or bad. There's simply no opposition due to such amount of power given to an individual or simply as power brings forth enormous confidence in those that weilds it. Power's like an addictive drug, there is going to be need for a stronger dosage especially when the brain starts to adapt to the usual dosage. It's never enough.
 

the system is corrupt already. is the power that brings out more corruption on them.

Agreed. Power makes people feel more true to themselves and more like themselves because it showcases the inner beliefs and desires of each individual. Besides, this is what I was thinking about today when I was having a though about asking a user of this forum some important questions and my mind goes to Hhampuz cause he appears to be one of the most reasonable and mature managers in this forum based on how I have seen him treated issues for years.

People only misunderstand corruption and power because the corrupt mind is there right before the power comes and it's the power that shows it to the public. Is just like having a friend who's poor and humble during that time you can't know who she actually was until she has money. This is something I have experienced through a friend.

Power is now such a thing that they are getting it anyway and if they get it, they don't want to come down from it. They don't have time to think about what comes next. How can I survive? The question that power causes corruption is complex but power is one of the tools of corruption because power is the cause of corruption and then there is an opportunity to do so.There is no such thing as male or female when it comes to corruption but men are more affected by corruption because they have to carry out many responsibilities and often misuse their power to do corruption.Power does not always corrupt, but it helps to corrupt. The main reason for corruption is the degradation of human morals and lack of good governance has become an activity
However, not all power leads to corruption. First of all, what comes first is how the power is acquired, depending on the type of corruption and whether it will corrupt if it comes to power. comes through corruption then it is 100% sure that he will abuse power and corrupt it has become an eternal fact of the world.
Finally, I can say that excess power or independence is not good for any work, so everyone If management is created through discipline and pleasure, if the person you want to put in power is selected through the right method and if you check what his values ​​and ethics are.Then you will find the right people and by using the power and its good side many people can easily control many bad things and manage all the work properly and whom you have entrusted. If he takes the responsibility with bad thoughts then he will abuse the power in taking the responsibility.Corruption originates from personality and corruption from people or institutions is created by power But currently corruption by abuse of power in other and developing countries is 100% really advanced but it is less in quantity.If accountability, transparency and good governance and independence of the judiciary are ensured in a state, power can never turn into corruption and lead to corruption.Rather than discussing the corruption that power leads to, we should first think about the root cause of why we are doing corruption, then it will be possible to prevent corruption and if we see These are a little more common in imaginary or other states because these states have a lower standard of living and a higher level of corruption due to higher levels of greed and so on.

Your question is somehow confusing
but ill rather say power corrupts but generally a corrupt mind corrupts power entirely.


Looking at the society at large its only when one's certain mind is towards achieving their selfish gain.
They go about to attain it and the only way they can achieve that mindset is by gaining power.

Every that's too much is bad and the same goes with the power that an official in the government has. The tendency of abuse and corruption is higher if that person is thinking of that. But not all that has the same power are abusing it, there are still honest officials and workers for the public service.

It's on the mindset of the official. You'll see how they work when they're already in the office and if they're truly corrupt, you'll see them how they perform and take action based on the post that they've been elected.

I don't know where to stand trying to reason the answer to your question but I'm seeing it this way . If you have very hairy cat and you love to cuddle it but it always resists that will you stop cause you care about that cat or you would just continue to do that cause you enjoy it . Having absolute power is addictive and you always exercise it . At times you wouldn't even notice . Any man can become that devil

In other words, a good man, if he gets power, just might become insensitive to the needs of the poor, weak people. This might happen because he forgets what it was like when he, himself, was weak and poor. It's not that he wants to be cruel. It's just that he doesn't realize that he is being cruel, because the things he does don't affect him that way any longer.

If he gets reminded about how it felt back then when he was weak, he would be more thoughtfully considerate.

8)

Once there is this ability to control other peoples will there will be this unconscious act of corruption, Sometimes this corruption is not intentional but the fear of having your subject challenge your decisions create room for corruption and once the idea get nurtured it becomes a norm. It is very difficult tasting power without having this corrupt feelings, It only takes discipline to stay incorruptible and most time it can make such leaders isolated from the others.

By power they generally always means the power to affect other people's lives or make decisions which could affect other people lives. this mostly comes with the political powers because you would generally not care for the lives of people who might get affected with your decisions after some time. This is what people means you get corrupt with power.

Not power, but uncontrolled, unbalanced power is what is very likely to corrupt. Even those who reach leadership with honest intentions - and there are examples such as Gandhi, sometimes are driven by their self-righteousness, since they are people that had to test their stance very frequently along their paths, so they inevitably become too much self-confident.

People with physical power don't have it enough that it could corrupt them. They are still bound by same laws as the rest of us. And being best at some sport has nothing to do with corruption either, because you can't use that power to be dishonest or make a criminal offense by being good at soccer.

People who have power over others can be corrupted, and often are. That's why transparency and regulations are so important. I know that many crypto fanatics flinch when regulations are mentioned, but they are set for a good reason and one of them is to get rid of corruption.

Who else but him,  (because he have to take all the risk).

The merging between male and female politicians is still very high and at that we can easily ascribed the causes pf that to lack of participation from the female politicians,  because sometime they can't take the risks that os involved in contesting and winning elections in most places,  and this also is evident in the political conduct in some places.

Political struggle in Africa most especially is too rough for women to get involved and even if they,  they get kicked behind by the male forsk who sees this thing as man's business,  but seriously,  it will really be nice if we can at least let a woman president in Africa and let us test the line of leadership.

Actually, power vested on an actor by virture of his higher position, does corrupt. The concept corrupt tenotes are an action verb that explains changing the rules of the game. Therefore whoever that is in the higher position of power has the tendency to circumvent the standard.

Power is something we humans need to be careful about because it has a way of changing an individual. Depending on the person in question because I know there are people when given the power to do something or as a leader they don't abuse it instead they use it to help those they're to serve. While in some cases when power is given to someone they use it for their selfish need, without the care of their subject. That's why I'll always say power only suit God almighty because he knows how to use it on like we humans, greed and selfishness won't let us make it to use.

If I can capture what you are saying here, you are asking if power truly corrupts the holder in-charge?
Well... Power can be bestowed in different aspects but all aimed at the goal of bringing expected impact's.

Power is the ability and the capacity of doing greats.
It could be as follows...
*Power of speech (authority)
*Power to lead (leadership)
*Physical power (muscular)
*Educational power (knowledge)
* Monetary power (money)
*Invention & technology (creativity).

Now power can be ordained or bestowed, either by appointment or by election or even by possessions.
It now depends on its perspective looking at to bring or posseses the abilities and capacities to build a solid wall or laying reliable and productive bricks either by exercised of  power oby authorities, power of leadership, muscular power, monetary power or by creativities to be ascertained for the benefits of an individual or others.

This has reminded me of a thread I previously created titled "Too much power in on man's hand". https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5461210.msg62609003#msg62609003

So looking at it in an overview, I think you are pointing at power when it has to do with the others (public).

If I must sum up to this with experiences of things going on in the societies today where a man holds a multiple  portfolios or in position to ascertain a superintendent authority with the lack of capacities and abilities to exercise it's power with wisdom, POWER has been a bigotry, selfish interests and threats to the societies.

The above recent listed Powers has been a tussle (corruption) for the oppressors of oppressions across the existence of humans with it's negative effects in the societies where forces and supremacy is accorded by vulnerability depending on its failure to ascertain the  abilities and capacities to deal with others cordially according to a wellbeing

I do think that there are some geniune leaders in power but most to get overpowered by "power" and become corrupt. Sad but true...

Imagine having superpowers, for instance, I only wonder how I will feel and what I will be able to accomplish since power, whether it be in politics or even in an office, can be abused and result in a lot of enemies if it is not used carefully. Powerful people nowadays want to be revered simply because they are wealthy. you even need to see how people surround their self with them just because of favor. and I will end it with what you said that power is for God.

Yeah. If someone is already corrupted, there is no way that person will be a good person, whether in office or as a traditional ruler, because he has poisoned his mind with bad character and can’t be faithful to people around them.


Not everyone is corrupted from the beginning, but there are people who are corrupted due to the work they do there when someone comes to meet you and buys a job. What I mean is that when someone pays for a job that you give, and that is how they usually do it, you too if you go there. Toh may follow the train and do the same. However, money changes people. Some people have intentions of doing good to people, but when they get to some certain position in life, they change because of money. They don’t want to help the poor, which I can also call corrupt. If someone is not helping people, he rules till they pay money before he does something for them. Definitely, that person is corrupt, and most of this happens due to a change in environment.

In every 100 power will corrupt 99. You will not know until you are given the power.

The saying that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, is very correct, because the desire to control others is part of human nature. Everybody is humble until you put them in power or they rise to position of power, this is when that part of human nature that tends to control others will begin to manifest. And as absolute power is atained, the desire to control will become absolute, anybody that stands in the way becomes an enemy that should be crushed. It'll take great efforts and high discipline to do away with this natural desire to control.

One of the reasons why you'll agree that it's human nature to control others is where you have a powerful leader that controls his subjects, his subordinates will have the desire to usurp him and take over power to continue  the control of others. Even the critics of the regime, when given the opportunity to be in power might be worse off than their predecessor. So it takes exceptional integrity to be in power and not abuse it.

Power corrupts people extreme power corrupts the extreme. Because of the close relationship between power and corruption we are usually desperate for power. One of the many motives for gaining power is corruption because of this close relationship between power and corruption has become our walking culture in our daily life when the employer cannot pay enough to meet the needs employees or officials can get involved in corruption basic needs are directly related to money.

No matter how cool, godly, or respectful a human being can be, when power is given to him or her, it intoxicates them in a way you never can imagine. Take for instance a prefect position given to a college student. How he behaves with such a small position given to him to rule over others. You will see a bully and commanding spirit in him as young as he is.

It is no longer a new thing that power intoxicates almost everyone irrespective of age, beliefs, or background. Power has made people exercise and abuse it over others and in the same manner, have internal and external enemies for themselves as they tussle for power making them forget why they are called to serve the people not to fight or act badly over their subjects

Does power really corrupt?  The answer is No, power does not corrupt a person it only helps in showcasing and visuallng the real character of that person. Some may say as well say that "Money corrupts" but for me personally I don't believe that.
I believe every body has this corrupt behavior which they just require power to operate in. We should know corruption starts from the mind and one's the mind gets corrupt then everything he does lyes into corruption, some may tend to hide it for a while but definitely after getting what he/she wants then you see the real version of that person.

Another is power is a good thing and everyone wants power whereelse many things are involved before getting into power, who doesn't have the mind to compete for power by playing the cards well always end up loosing.

This is for the many but not for all. There are people that even you give them power, they won't change and won't abuse but these guys are rare nowadays.

Most of these powers are in the politics and whoever are in the position will definitely enjoy the power or privilege that they'll get.

That's why politics suck and all of the people that are elected that don't deserve on it because they are just power hungry officials.s

I love this; this statement is simple and mighty. Power always comes with energy that brings out the true selves of those who possess it.

Everyone in power in the country I live in is corrupt, forcing those who are not corrupt to be. The ruling political figures of our country are so powerful that for more than a century people have suffered under a single rule. Their power is so corrupt that they are elected without opposition and come to power. Their rule is rampant corruption, lack of transparency and characterized by the persecution of dissent. The media is often censored and critical voices are silenced. The judiciary is also not independent and often works in the interests of the ruling party. Citizens have no courage to agitate and protest to demand change, accountability from their political leaders.

Excess power can corrupt our mindset that is why we need to make sure that we do the right thing so that we can stay humble at most.
There are many people that were humble and loyal before their masters but immediately they get power, they will start feeling like they have arrived and no one has the right to challenge them. There are many things we need to understand about power or else we might miss the track. We should always be conscious on how to do things because power can change the way we think and do things.

it’s more of controlling than forcing they blackmail people who are less powerful than they are they bribe or pay them with money usually acquired through illegal means sometimes even worse they threaten them with life and death

Yes power corrupts all forms of power not just political power when someone arrogate power to him/her self pride comes in and then the urge to acquire more creeps in and then corruption comes in

Power is something that can control man if man is not careful,  it gives boldness and confidence to do whatever thing whether call it political power, financial power. For people who are already have power they need to be conscious of themselves because power is what some people get drunk of it when they have  it, they abuse it to oppress people.  The essence of power is not to oppress people but to help people who are voiceless,  people who needs help.

I don't think that power really corrupt people, it is the people who shows their true color after getting the power.
People could say that money or power changed people and yes it does, it changed how they hide their true personality when they have or don't have power.
I am not saying that are like this there are some who would stay the same even if they gain power or money.

I partially agree with you, there has been honest people and leaders who were raised with a certain way and even after acquiring much power within their respective societies, they did not behave in a wrong way and did not allow themselves to be corrupted, they never forgot the duty they had for the people of their nation. The first and most representative example when comes to my mind is Abraham Lincoln.

On the other hand, history has also offered some examples to us of people who allowed themselves to be embedded and corrupted by the power it has placed onto them, for example, there were several Roman Emperors who abused their position to commit atrocities against citizens of the empire. Have you ever read about the roman emperor Caligula? It is really worth your time to take a look at it of you ever have time and wish to learn of what absolute power can do to the morals and the attitude of a man.

According to one time president of Nigeria and he said , "power is sweet". Meaning he was using absolute power over the people and in a democratic setting, the president must not use absolute power over the people and instead he would use devolution of power. And where there is a country there must be a power and that power must come from politics which must me given to him by "the physical power, economy power, experts power, referent power and the coercive power". All those powers are control by the political power although the economic power is much more powerful than the political power but the economic power is also obey some of the instructions from the political power. Economic power and the political power are working together for the benefits of themselves. And with that power is really absolutely corrupt.

And why power is corrupt is that when the leaders have given the opportunity to rule they over use the power to do things which is not good for the citizens. They bring policies that would only benefits the leaders and not for the for masses. They would used it to do and undo. They use force to acquire things that belongs to the people. And this can come a very good example in Nigeria. Those who own the crude oil in the Niger Delta are more poorer than those who are far the oil producing communities. The Northern people who control the State government control the crude oil which very far from them but they used the corrupt power to acquire the wealth. The real democracy is not found in any of the African countries.

Power corrupts but it depends on the person mindset is, if an individual is ben given much power to do what he or she wants, you will notice that different things will start happening at the same, the power will be misused against the people that entrusted such power to the person, political misuse of power has been the world current problem, the politician now see power as the ability to control people with which ever means irrespective of the effect on the people the are ruling it doesn't matter, the world is face with leader that has turn their face against the electorate for selfish reasons, African has suffered so much in the hands of their leaders and calls for urgent attention from the international community though every country has their personal problems but but Africans problems is nothing to write home about, African president decides everything that happens no one has the right to tell them anything, if you try to do it, you will be caused of financial misappropriation in other to tarnish your image. 

Not necessarily. Blessed are the people living under the command of a wise impartial sovereign having supreme authority in his domain. One who is strong and wise. But finding such as divine being as an Absolute Monarch/Emperor/Dictator is a rare historical event.

Yes I agree with you, people tend to be very humble when they have  nothing but when they have power and money you see the true colour in them, so I agree with you. That is why you don't need to judge people that they are good when they have nothing.  You can only know the real person when they have access to power and money.  Power and money gives people authority to do whatever they like to do.

Power in all ramifications connotes the capacity of an individual or a group of individuals that changes a standard set of rules as to Garner advantages such as pecuniary interest, seat of power, recognition, promotion, etc.
Power in its entirety has the inherent tendencies to gravitate an occupier or occupiers to break established rules and standard to gain unprecedented advantages against others in a defined community of human beings.
Therefore, when the whims and caprices of the power holder is not subject to an established mechanisms of checks and balances, there is the likely inclination to use the bestowed power to gain several advantages to the detriment of the entire system and all individuals.

My neighborhood has a homeowners association.  I've seen scandal after scandal just at this level, which has to be the literal lowest level of governing in the country.  From paying themselves huge salaries to fix tiny problems in the community, to hiring their friends to install things that aren't needed in the community, removing amenities that they don't use, and even manipulating elections.  When exposed, some of these people sold their homes and moved away like nothing happened, only to be replaced with others doing the same thing.  If people are this corrupt at the absolute lowest level of governing there is, I can't imagine the things that are going on at the highest levels of government. 

It's a human thing, people draw closer to their bad nature when they feel they are above other person's, like what is actually stopping you from crushing your fellow if you have the power to.

Let say you are a king and I am a citizen of your country and I invented a technology that I was supposed to make myself ever young and you heard of it as the king would you not use your power to crush me to get what you want.

Power doesn't corrupt but it bring out the bad nature in man, every man is corrupt on his own and just waiting for a trigger, how many times have you used your little power to uppres others around you in little ways, the cjlhoice came from you not the power or anything, you are the corrupt one and not the power.

I don't think power actually have the ability to corrupt any, be it economic power, military power, financial power, physical power, intelectual power, and spiritual power, what I knows that it does is to bring out the true colors of a person.

Because I have seen so many people that possess power of different kinds that that are still humble and sincere down to earth, so I believe that power only reveal the true colors of someone.

Yes it just reveals the true nature of the person but there are some people who may get get corrupted once they reach the power as I know few who were not corrupt but once they power there is no one to question then as they have authority so they choose to be corrupt as no one can question them, again here the person may have been pretending to be humble and good for very long and once they get power their nature is revealed I mean you see most of the traffic police/cops or any new politicians they are not initially corrupt but once they get the power then they become corrupt. For some power and corrupt don't correlate but for some it does.

Actually it depends on we the individuals, we decide if it will corrupt us or not, there are people in power who are doing perfectly well and okay, even when they know they have the power to stop or do things in their own way, but they do in the favor of the people, while there are plenty who use their power to influence or oppress the people or use it to intimate them, which makes some people fear them, so it all depends on us the human beings whether to use it for good or bad influence, the major important thing is to ensure that power is not abused.

When it comes to power we have to determine what power really is or what exactly are the powers going to do. mostly the power which leads to corruption is the political power. because it has to do with making decisions for the destruction of goods and services of the state and as a result people who are selfish in nature tends to exploit this little opportunity to create more wealth for themselves.

If not for political power many people would have not been recognized even with the money they have that is what we see people who are already rich trying to compete for a political power to create recognition and force around themselves and if this force is excessively granted then it turns man into a monster because of the inherit greed in our nature. 

To an extent yes, because if the level of power is moderate there is still room for humility.
When we've clearly defined power here, you'll understand that the more the power, the harder it is to retain humility, this is because the said person realizes that he can get away with a lot of things and can influence the flow of certain things in great ways , then it is harder to resist the urge to bend things according to your desires.
And at a point where you're doing the extreme, and bending things and using your power to intimidate,  oppress or any of those,  that is you being corrupt.
So yes, power is corrupting, and absolute power is absolute corruption.

It really depends on the kind of power you as a person posses and what it is used for. Power at sometimes can be evil at the same time power can also be good and it also depends on your taught, your mindset many people today who have one power or the other use them to oppress others while you can see few people use their power to protect the weak.

And there are two types of powers.
Negative power
Positive power
The negative power it depends on the source where the power was gotten and we know nothing negative is impactful this power is meant for oppression at all times these people possessing these negative power thinks they are above every other persons.

The positive like I said many maybe given these power publicly but will use it negatively to oppress others while some will use it to achieve why it was given to them it all depends on mindset.

Really power corrupts.

I don't think power is the problem but who wields it, power I'd just a form of ability, it can be influence, physical strength, expertise or other examples that OP mentioned, this are just different abilities that you can have and what you decide to do with it is your choice, if you are bad and have no sence of morality you would still do bad even with your little power available to you, you don't need exceptional power to know what you are really capable of doing.

In all thy getting have power, apparently, power is the ability to get things done or make things happen. Unfortunately, people abuse the use of power because (most that have it) don't know how to use it.

In defense of my reasoning why power is mostly themed corrupt is because indivduals which are ought to use it for a good cause end up using it negatively.

The truth is that people abuse power. Whenever people get access to people they allow power make them to do things that they wouldn't believe they can do. Power is just like alcohol,  when alcohol is taken into the body it makes one to do the unexpected,  this how power is to. It only take good understanding and consciousness to control power. When one have access to power and not conscious and carefull of how to handle power, it controls them instead.

Though your definition about power is correct but is a subject of intoxication, if you are not a perwon thats always incharge of your games, power will render you useless, it is practical things.
In my country we have a governor in particular region who act as an emperor just because the country has known good laws that govern them, this man use public funds as if it is his own and treat people they way he likes, the misuse of power has been here from time immemorial and so is not a new thing, even in the Bible most kings and individuals that misuse power never lasted, but lets be realistic, it is very difficult to use power very well.

I think it is

It depend how you use the power to governed the people because, if you use it in a positive way to make peace in the society and help the citizens to stay away from crime that will take their lives show that you are using your power positive and it will not corrupt the citizens in that particular society.

 But if you are using your power to collect land, properties, and money from people with your power show that you are using your power negatively and it will make the majority in that society to hate your leadership because you are not doing the right thing than to use your power to corrupt people in the society.

Your answwe is not in line with the discussion question which is does power really corrupt, and my personal answer is no, it onky revels a personin you that has been long hidden, its just like giving a gun to someone and the oerosn turns out to be a menace or terrorist and seem to enjoy killing even tho before handing the gun over to him he seem to have no trace of such characters, would you say the gun has corrupted him, no the gun is lifeless and has no ability to control the man, it was his decision to pull the trigger and he enjoyed it everytume he did it.

It all depend on individuals and the kind of power that is involved. There are people that has pride but you will not know and you might even think that they are humble until you give them power. Power can intoxicate so we should not be surprised and we don't give everybody power because there are still people that are going to misuse it and use it against other people.
This is one of the reasons why we don't give power to everyone because of the later effects.

Yes power has fallen through corruption.  Therefore, in the country it is seen that the powerful people are plagued with various kinds of corruption.  A person gets involved in various occurrences after coming to power.  Moreover, the more power he has, the more opportunities he has for corruption.  But it was said that those in power would help the needy and keep their promises.  But in reality it is just the opposite.  Everyone tries to corrupt from their position of power and is involved with you accordingly.  Almost every country's system is corrupt.

A lot of people appear to be kind before going into power but once they are given the power to rule or govern they will become opposite of what they are before, several people have been seen like that nad on this ground I think people are all the same especially people with power. How do you now know the right person to give power when you know they always change with time, power corrupts and power is corrosive just like the sound of it words.

The points of power, and what it does to people:
Power corrupts people when it is excessively used. Power Intoxicates, it makes people lose themselves. It corrupts people who already lean towards corruption. Those who abuse the rights given to them, it makes them become the shadow of themselves. When they are in power it makes them live by the decision of themselves alone not minding whether the decision of theirs will go in the favor of the masses they rule over or not.

I don't agree with this saying by the way I stand to be corrected my reason is that is not power that currupt but power only act as catalyst to fulfill currupted minded  personality who power is given.

Take instance of an arm rubber it's not the gun it's carry that rubbed people, but the person carrying the gun has already settled it's action in the heart just that the gun only give more motivation to it's concluded mindset .

Yes power corrupt,there’s a saying that absolute power corrupt absolutely.when people are given too much power and control, they can become corrupt and abuse their position for personal gain. This can lead to negative consequences for the people they are supposed to serve, as well as for society as a whole

You just made a nice point and I would have to agree with you. Sometimes it not the power that corrupt people but there mindset. There are people that already have a bad mindset and getting power would make them to become mean and do things without conscience.
We should be aware of this kind of people so we don't vote them into power and end up complaining that they are doing something that is not reasonable or attacking the citizens. Anyhow we ought to do it, we should always make sure we get the right people into power.

What if we say that power is what shows the true intentions of people. Everyone will claim they want the best for the country but you wouldn’t really know until they step up there. So when we see them acting wrongly, we may think that it’s the power that corrupted them but instead we should say that this is who they really are because now they have what they wanted, they’ve shown themselves.

Yes indeed power corrupt,if u are on power u can decide anything and others will follow,weather what you decide is wrong or right ,even if your decision is right to many it will not favour them in this case power has corrupt,let me use example in our country Nigeria,you see how many are still looking for what to eat daily for where,their is no food , everyone is suffering,but many are enjoying,so in this case now the absolute power is corrupt because is not many that are benefiting from this government

It will only take a disciplined man to overcome the temptations of abusing power, must person feel when they have power they are on top of the world, they are above everybody, the truth is power doesn't corrupt anyone, just like money, power exposes the hidden character of an individual,  a noble man is a noble man whether in power or not, a dictator is a dictator whether in power or not, .
Let me use your reference point as an example, Nelson Mandela was  good whether in power or not he fought racial segregation in South Africa got arrested for 27 years and was even given power but despite all this he didn't abuse his office or misuse the power given to him, so power don't change people but rather brings out their true behaviour.

Any man can withstand adversity. If you want to test his character, give him power. Yes, power corrupts. But power does not corrupt everyone equally. Power didn't corrupt ordinary people. It corrupted people who already learned toward corruption.
People themselves are corrupt, but people without power have no chance to exercise that corruption, because corruption requires power.
Some individuals seek power with the intention of abusing it for personal gain, while others may start out with good intentions but become corrupted by the influence and opportunities that the power provide. In all, power really currupt.

There is a saying that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The extent to which power can and will corrupt an individual is different from what its effect will be in another. This is as a result of personality differences, exposure, background etc. A selfish person will use power for personal gains and self interest. All over the world, we have seen and read about people whose entire personality had a swift change when they tasted power and everything it comes with. I think that to answer this question, we have to personalize it by pondering on what we will do if given power. Are we going to let it take over our humanity?, Is it going to be an avenue of oppression?, etc.

when a government has too much political power, then it is worthy of being called a regime, for example this has happened in russia where a president has too much political power and he is able to change the constitution according to his wishes and is able to organize the military for his interests. some said that "if it is the will of the people to want him to remain president, then so be it". however, too much power is actually poison and it can make a president dictatorial and iron-fisted, who will do various things to get away with being president for life.

I believe power can change people and make them act differently. When someone gets lots of this power and starts prioritizing their personal interests instead of the wellness of others, it's said to have a negative impact on the individual.
Most times, power can make people forget the first reason for their position and their promises to others. Making them more arrogant, controlling, and manipulative toward others. Absolutely, it can also have positive effects on people. Give individuals the ability to make positive changes, influence others in a better way,and also create meaningful impact in their communities. 
Power can bring out the worst in an individual and also the positive, but it all depends on the individual and how it's been used. But all in all, it's best you put the interests of the people ahead.

We should not forget thatbthe government are also people working for us. Sometimes they are giving so much power to enforce law and do the way they live which might not be that favorable for us all. We need to be proactive and make sure we work together with the government but in a way that would jeopardize the entire plan they have for us but to reduce their influence on us so our own decisions too can count and go a long way for us. Power can corrupt people that have not gotten such a power before.

That truth curruption is course by unbalanced power, ordinary curruption is a mindset it's generated from the heart only need support to manifest itself, once the heart is currupted everything become curruption when power is given.

The abuse of power can possibly leads to corruption but can be different on individual, whatever power that it is you have means that you are a head of group of power or part of the head. of leading group while power is meant to be discharged appropriately a lot can Miss use it by only considering their own interests and impose laws, rules that might not favourable to those they are leading , many sees power as a tool or means of humiliating and intimidating their subordinates, a lot has allowed power to influence their lifestyles negative which affect those around then.

People don't get corrupt because they are in power, instead, they were corrupted right from the thoughts from their minds even before the emerge that power, this could also teach us some lessons about selecting leaders who are the ones to pilot the affairs of the society, they must have been those that have been approved and tested with the highest pedigree of trust whereby their reputation is not jeopardized.

When you're at the top and you mostly making decisions for yourselves and for the other people below you, it's only a matter of time before you change your attitude towards others and I can say this is true since I have been with those kinds of people where when they get on top, they forgot you and don't want to remember all the goods things you have been through together. It's sad to witness such kinds of behaviors becoming into reality with the people you love, but such as life and it teach you not to get dependent to others and make your own way of life as long it's not contradicting the laws.

Most people will be corrupted by power, but it's not a general rule which can be applied to everyone. There are few exceptions. There are people who can occupy power positions without using it to abuse others, to take personal advantages or to become megalomaniac psychos, although it will be a constant burden, since temptation seems to be always present, sometimes stronger and sometimes weaker.

The analogy of "The One Ring" to rule them all from Lord of The Rings exemplifies this situation very well. In the story, no one could possess the "power" for too long without inevitably getting corrupted by it at some point, so it had to be destroyed. In fact, it shows us how temptation can lead the man to a thirsty search for power, which seems to never be enough to feel satisfied.

In Star Wars it's also possible to see the megalomaniac behavior on the central villain figure of the series, Darth Sidious, who had as goal to rule the whole galaxy. And in order to do so, didn't measure his actions to reach the final objective, betraying allies, lying, killing innocents and manipulating a whole galaxy in the process. For some people such plots seem fascinating, but after all they are mediocre and senseless, if succeeded.

Sometimes the power actually deals with the people's, because without this power, the lives of people's can't remain quiet since they will definitely like to do what they want with each other's. Power always brings peace to every community to make everyone live a better life. Because if we look at some of the communities that didn't have powe, their lifestyles are very different from those with power.

To be honest, those with power have the abilities to deal with arrogance, even those who break the rules who break the rules that are given by elders. I made the point earlier that most people will corrupt with power, but I disagree with that because there's no way that people can definitely corrupt with power. Accept those people's claim that they don't know what they are doing in life and take it as guaranteed.

An older person taught me that quote a long time ago because they had learned it in school and never forgot. I also never forgot. Power doesn't corrupt all great sports stars (for example), but with political power sadly it seems to be very true.

Man's attraction to money and power is very strong and both have the deadly power to lead people astray. Both of these things make people haughty as well as arrogant and aggressive.
But power should be what a man has responsibility for. That is the ability to perform the duty well should be called power. So let us be aware of our power and try to make good use of it. Only then will it be possible to develop the world beautifully.

And here's a good example of a piece of corruption at work... video included.


Nancy Pelosi's Corpse Rolled Out at Oxford Union to Denounce Populism (http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/News/362541-2024-05-16-nancy-pelosis-corpse-rolled-out-at-oxford-union-to-denounce.htm)

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https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2024-05-15/nancy-pelosis-corpse-rolled-out-oxford-union-denounce-populism

Three choices.

One bullet.
One trigger.
Guess who gets to pull it?
One leader.
One thousand slaves.
For every throne there's one thousand graves."
-Propagandhi, 'Head? Chest? Or Foot?'

Nancy Pelosi's cryptkeepers down in the cryogenic bunker where she is kept on ice got the call.

They dolled its face up and dutifully summoned a witch doctor/Dr. Feelgood or whatever satanic pharmaceutical rite they have to perform to get its eyes open and its gums flapping.

All of this was in the service of presenting the Pelosi entity to the prestigious Oxford Union — that "People's House," as it's known, where cockney accents abound, widely regarded as a bastion of populism — to decry populism as a "threat to democracy."

Via New York Post (emphasis added):

"Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) made an outrageous comment during a recent Oxford Union debate, calling those who may see themselves as part of the populist movement just 'poor souls who are looking for some answers.'*

'We've given [answers] to them, but they're blocked by some of their views on guns. They have the three Gs: guns, gays, God,' huffed the 84-year-old Pelosi. 'That would be a woman's right to choose — and the cultural issues cloud some of their reception of an argument that really is in their interest.'"
... (https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2024-05-15/nancy-pelosis-corpse-rolled-out-oxford-union-denounce-populism)

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8)

When in the wrong hands it does, the sad thing about this is that there's more wrong hands than good hands that runs for power that's why we think that it corrupts a person when the reality is that it will only affect those that don't have a pure of heart. But if we really want to change things, there's something that you might want to do to make sure that our future wouldn't be at the brink of extinction, think of it like planting a seed knowing that that the tree that it will grow into will serve as the shade for the future generations, teach your children how they should handle power, teach them humility and kindness, teaching them that they should care for the people first before themselves when they work for public service is a key to it too.

You rightly said that it is important to teach our future generations from their childhood to create a healthy social and political environment. They should be taught how to serve people. Again, we can do such a thing that when we give money to help people, if we give by their hand, then they will develop such a beautiful mentality that they will stand by the side of people in danger.

Power doesn't corrupts it reveals. See when people are put into positions of power they have more confidence to do things they wouldn't do if they didn't have that power and the fun fact, the people who are corrupted they wants power while the people who are in power wants to corrupt.

As humans we know that corruption is inevitable either because of personal desires or cultural view. Personal greed, secrecy or dishonesty can cause corruption especially when he or she has a powerful position to influence or mandate anything on anyone. Power can either bring out the best or the worst in you.

Thou power has the ability to corrupt anyone in position but when it is in the possession of someone with good intentions for his or her country and high sincerity or integrity, corruption may seem to be less.

Even with someone who actually intend to serve for the community, country still can go the other way because we don't know what we really desire until we get that power in the hands, everyone has their dark side which can be ugly if it's shown and it reflect only in the position when they are in the superior position to control/manipulate whoever is under their control.

Your right it's just what power does, some people don't even know themselves or what they are capable of until they get power, you would see a one so humble person turn into the king of pride once he gets rich or someone who wasn't a bully starts to to bully others once he learns some fight moves, it's all the human nature, power in its own is not evil but the human soul has evil tendencies and when power come you just fall to the dark side.

Really! Power can completely destroy a person’s personality; having unlimited power, people become less sensitive to the needs and rights of other people. Therefore, power must first of all be supported by certain powers, and in case of violation of official duties and abuse of one’s official position, a person must be punished.

Exactly mate, power is a human right. That is a right is whatever a human being has the right to do and whose activities do not interfere with the rights of others. And when a general man is appointed to a post he has the right to do exactly whatever the actions needed for that post. But when those who are incompetent are given any responsibilities over their qualifications the problem arises and people become arrogant. It may be because of position or because of money.