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Power didn’t corrupt you …. you were already corrupt
We’ve all heard the saying, “Power corrupts.” But does it really? I would argue that power doesn’t change a person. It reveals them. Research in psychology and leadership supports the idea that power does not create corruption or moral decay. Instead, it amplifies a person’s pre-existing tendencies, values, and behaviors, unmasking their true self.
The Psychology Behind Power
The truth is our core personality traits remain relatively stable throughout life. Whether you’re extroverted or introverted, conscientious or careless, power doesn’t fundamentally alter these traits. It merely provides a stage for them to be more visible. People will always act in ways that align with their long-standing values, beliefs, and habits. Power doesn’t rewire a person’s moral compass; it simply places them in situations where their true nature — good or bad — comes to the forefront. Power will therefore highlight previously hidden aspects of a person’s character. Traits that were once subtle or dormant may become more pronounced, but they were always there, waiting for the right conditions to emerge.
