…and Absolute Power, Corrupts Absolutely. (Quotation of the 19th century British politician Lord Acton). The historian and moralist, who was otherwise known simply as Lord Acton, expressed this opinion in a letter, in 1887:

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.”

“Power” word use here, applies to ALL — who have control over others, in any capacity. If you have someone working for you, or whose actions you control, you would qualify as someone in power…. who may evolve to absolute power at some point. It is a position, where along with the significant control, the accountability is poor, undefined or non-existent. Some examples are Teachers, Coaches, Managers, Politicians, Movie Moghuls, Industry Moghuls, etc. Basically, anyone who has control over your future progress, growth and livelihood. Clearly we cannot use a broad brush to paint everyone with the same dark color … but everyone in such a position is ‘eligible’ to take advantage of this position. WHY? Because they can. I know lots of folks who meet this criteria, but are good respectful persons, devoid of such deviant behavior, proving that there are significant notable exceptions to the rule.

Another famous person has a variation of the above quote:

“It is said that power corrupts… but actually, it’s more true that power attracts the corruptible.”

Again WHY? I’d assume that there are morally and values-deficient folks, for whom this may provide positive strokes for their extreme lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. It makes them feel whole again, I’d guess.

Over the last few months, we have been shaken awake from our deep slumber – as news surfaces of multiple social idols who are now sprawled in the dirt, as their stories of absolute power corruption emerges. What pleases me, is how many ‘victims’ are emerging from the woodwork, feeling empowered suddenly to get rid of their tremendous emotional burden. Perhaps some of this power-corrupt behavior is wired in our DNA…. As it is independent of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, country, and time. This has been happening forever, over the ages. In the past, due to autocracy, aristocracy and clear power positions often tied to heavenly connections – exerting absolute power was considered, the norm. In turn this required total and unconditional, submissive acceptance of such actions.

Our species – the human race, has evolved over millions of years. Clearly our brains have retained some of the carnal behavior from our past roots, when the powerful survived and the weak were eliminated, and control has been the norm. The animal kingdom still operates on the concept of strong dominating the weak. The Alpha male can do what he wants, and have what he wants. What separates us from the animal kingdom, is our ability to reason and make choices based on right and wrong. This allowed us to evolve to where we are, living in societies and developing a communal framework where large heterogeneous groups can co-exist peacefully. In such a society there will always be differing levels of power and control, to operate a complex society. The norm is mutual self-respect for everyone and the knowledge that the power position bestowed on an individual, is to be used for the good of everyone and not for personal dominance or gain. Sadly, there are still strong dormant tendencies to abuse the power positions and take advantage of it for personal satisfaction.

In this age of intense social media and instant communication among the millions of denizens of planet Earth – we have an opportunity to force a change, and over time re-evolve / re-wire our DNA to eliminate this behavioral scourge. We will never eliminate this, but let us knock off once and for all the dominant players – who have caused so much pain and grief, to so many of us and have got away scot free, with no accountability for their heinous actions.

So what can we do about this? At a societal level…. The right actions have already started and there is no turning back. Powerful societal idols are being held accountable by their victims and shamed to publicly confess to their misdeeds, with promises to seek help and therapy to change. At an individual level….. We need to start with our children. Let us use the power of knowledge and awareness to empower the next generation to confront such behavior and stop it at the onset. Teach them, to talk to somebody, right away. Teach them, that they are not responsible for what was done (or attempted), and it is OK to discuss it. The words NO, STOP IT — are strong powerful words/messages and will stop most aggressors, who are essentially the biggest cowards. What they cannot achieve/gain, they strive to use their power positions to obtain. Strong response, will typically stop them in their tracks and often bring them to their senses and jolt them into reality.

For all of you out there, in potential power-positions – be aware that what goes around, comes around … and there will always be a price to be paid, in some currency form or the other. Read my blog posting Karma, for more insights. Clearly millions/billions of us can overpower and eliminate the few hundreds responsible for the bulk of this “absolute power corrupts absolutely” outrage. Our children and future progeny deserve better. Turning a deaf ear, or looking away will not solve the problem. Confront it head-on with our collective response, and let’s move forward. Let’s make the famous quote more like (quoted by Robert Caro):

“Power does not always corrupt… Power can cleanse, and power can reveal the truth.”