Examples Of How Power Corrupts People

Power can have the persuasive action in undoing the moral ethics of one’s character. This can be seen throughout history, such as World War II and proven by the actions of Napoleon in the allegory, Animal Farm, by George Orwell. As Lord Acton said “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In history what was viewed as a villain or wrong doer is never the same as the perception. A leader does not begin wanting to do wrong, they start with the best intentions, but power is a tricky thing, showcased in Animal Farm as Utopian ideals but with failed practices.

The statement, “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”, simply means that the more power one has – the more control one has over people – then the more corrupt it is possible for that person to become. This statement is certainly correct if the person with the power has certain proclivities towards corruption. There are many examples in the book, “Animal Farm”, by George Orwell, of power corrupting those in charge because they had these tendencies. In the story, the most powerful animals are the two pigs, Napoleon and, to a lesser degree, Snowball. During the course of the story these pigs used their power to get more power, and in the process their inclinations towards corruption triumphed. When Old Major, the boar who came

It isn't true that power corrupts automatically. In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, Macbeth rises to power. However he does this in a corrupt fashion, and when he achieves his power he must maintain it was by killing any that could take it from him. However, Malcom son of king Duncan, takes away Macbeths power but instead of killing others to keep his power Malcom rewards his companions. It is not power itself that corrupts, but the method that you use to achieve it.

Power is not inherently a bad tool, but it is when it is placed into the wrong hands. When or if it is placed in the wrong hands, it can corrupt the holder. Even if they do not have bad intentions, the power may corrupt them into using it for bad intentions. The quote stated by Machiavelli, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” is true because too much power can corrupt an individual’s thoughts and this can be proved through the book One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest written by Ken Kesey, and also the “Stanford Prison Experiment” which was conducted by Philip Zimbardo.

Taking control of people,making yourself benefit, forcing yourself to the top, when power gets into the wrong hands none is safe. The more power someone gets, the more likely it will corrupt them. Power is mainly used in selfish and negative ways.

This is shown in many places throughout history and recreated in fiction. Elie Wiesel’s memoir Night gives an example of abuse of power when Franek, the foreman of the depot Wiesel worked in, used his authority to bully Wiesel into giving him his gold crown by attacking his father. “This went on for two weeks. It was untenable. We had to give in. That day, Franek burst into savage laughter.” (pg 56) Franek knew that he could target Wiesel’s father without getting in trouble, so he was able to get what he wanted by the use of his power. Lord of the Flies by William Golding also shows how power corrupts people. When Jack became the chief of his own group, he and his accomplice, Roger, gained almost complete power over the boys on the island. They were able to do what they pleased, including hurting other people. “The chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs… The prodding became rhythmic. Sam yelled… Roger edged past the chief, only just avoiding pushing him with his shoulder. The yelling ceased, and Samneric lay looking up in quiet terror. Roger advanced upon them as one wielding a nameless authority.” (pg 182) Jack and Roger used their power over other boys to scare SamnEric into joining their “tribe”. Similarly to Franek, Jack and Roger inflict physical harm upon others to get their way, proving that those in power become abusive of their lack of

A perfect example of how power has a negative effect on others would be King Creon in Anitigone. In Anitogue she tries to bury her own brother Polynices. But King Creon stated that anyone who tries to bury him will be killed. This shows that the king has absolute power over the people and is willing to kill Antigone over her trying to bury her own brother. This also shows that the peasants have no power and have if they don't follow the rules they will be punished. These examples prove that power has a negative effect on others because whoever is in charge has absolute power over the people.

We live in a world where people who have any kind of power will abuse it at some point in their life. Adults, Children and people of authority abuse their power and sometimes it causes a great controversy about whether what they did is acceptable or not. Many negative effects can be demonstrated when someone abuses their power. The sadness, guilt, regret and the feeling of being worthless are the effects when someone abuses their power.

A lot of people have proven that power creates a big difference in a society. Individuals can come together and abuse it. Power is what makes people feel superior to others. Power has a negative effect on others because people with power control people and treat those beneath them with contempt.

Corruption of the Trusted It is in the nature of human to use their power to gain advances as its one of the oldest continues phenomenon. Sophocles wrote the greek tragedy Antigone expressing flaws that humans have when they have power. King Creon uses his power to enforce his will and belief to the people of Thebes but he has fallen to corruption. The corruption of power affects all types of life are effect by corruption it hurts the corrupter and the people direct affected by the abused of power.

Power corrupts the weak minded into doing deeds that are immoral. This is a run on theme in Shakespeare's “The Tragedy of Macbeth”, where both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth take the opportunity to seize the throne of King Duncan by murdering him in his sleep. As a result, while Macbeth was able to take the throne, the power he gained corrupted both him and Lady Macbeth, leading to their ultimate demise.

Power and corruption are concepts that are difficult to fully understand. Several controversies occur within these topics. There are both conventional and unconventional ways of viewing power. In an attempt to make a claim contrary to common belief, David Brin stated, “It is said that power corrupts, but actually it’s more true that power attracts the corruptible.” This statement is not accurate because power is the corrupting device responsible for a plethora of downfalls leaders have experienced.

Power corrupting individuals also applies to literature and fictional novels. One example of power causing corruption is found in a novel called Animal Farm by George Orwell. Animal Farm is a story about animals ruled and dictated by humans. Eventually, the animals overthrow their human dictator, Mr. Jones, and try to form their own government. After a pig named Napoleon was declared leader, he gained power which caused him to become corrupted. Napoleon dictated the animals and the entire farm throughout the novel. Napoleon considering himself as powerful as God is an example of Napoleon?s level of corruption. One loyal and

When given, or exposed to power, people may become corrupt. In J. J. R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring it is shown that when people are tempted or given power they may become corrupt. We can see this through the characters Frodo Baggins; the bearer of a powerful ring, Gollum, the previous bearer, and lastly it is shown through Bilbo Baggins another bearer.

Absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely. Absolute power corrupts absolutely in many ways. Firstly, having too much power could change your actions in many ways. Secondly, having a lot of power could also change your thoughts or ways of thinking.Thirdly, it can also get out of hand or out of control if you have too much power. Some people,with too much power, use it to do bad things. On the other hand, others use it to do good.Absolute power corrupts absolutely.