Power Corrupts

I heard some wise words on the radio as I was on my way to work today that made me think:

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln

A relative once told me that those in power are likely to abuse their power as written in my previous entry, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton KCVO (January 10, 1834 – June 19, 1902), was an English historian, the only son of Sir Ferdinand Dalberg-Acton, 7th Baronet and grandson of the Neapolitan admiral, Sir John Acton, 6th Baronet, had issued epic warnings that political power is the most serious threat to liberty. Born in Naples, he was educated in England, Scotland, France and Germany, developing an extraordinary knowledge of European political history. He once said Power does corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

This reminds me of the article written by Per Bylund which I have linked here. Bylund argues that the corrupted seek power and that was probably what led to the observation by Lord Acton.

In the age of democracy that we live in, it is in everybody’s theoretical reach to gain power over everybody else, indeed making society an eternal struggle between individuals and groups for power. This "power game" is not just confined to country politics but company/office politics as well.