Power Causes Brain Damage

This article is from last year, and focuses on business and political leaders as examples, but I couldn't help thinking it must also apply to at least some of those who become powerful in medicine and academia. It offers another insight into how people can do the things they do.

Emphasis added.

https://www.theatlantic.com/amp/article/528711/

 

This is a thought experiment. A pretty well built one but i don't think its correct. This is probably closer to the truth

https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2016/10/18/13285196/2016-trump-clinton-psychology-power

 

Some of that reminds me of claims from other research that weren't solid. Also, seems odd to present those sorts of changes (if they are present) as brain damage. Different experiences and circumstances are going to lead to changes in how peoples' brains work, but is that always damage?

 

In the end almost nothing about us or the universe is inate, its all reverse engineered so there are many interpretations on things, i suspect the authors best theory is what they posted. I don't think its true but i doubt there is any malice involved, just naiveness.

 

I have always liked the saying that those who want power are always the least deserving of it . bad people will always abuse whatever power they have . life experience will tell you this without the need for studies . history of governments and rulers of all stripes shows that people who feel unaccountable to anyone will always behave in negative ways towards those without perceived power .

 

Indeed, this is often true.

Understanding why power corrupts is a good thing because we can hopefully use that knowledge in the future, from choosing better leaders to understanding why things are happening and how to deal with them.
The problem becomes when we want evil or when people don't want to learn from experience or fall for obvious propaganda.