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The adage “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is among the most quoted maxims in political theory and ethics. It was penned by Lord Acton, an English historian and moralist, in 1887. The phrase crystallizes a timeless concern about the corrosive influence of power on human character. To fully comprehend the depth and applicability of this saying, one must explore both the historical context in which Lord Acton wrote it and the philosophical antecedents that underpin it.
Historical Context: The Papacy and Infallibility
Lord Acton penned the famous words in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton, amid heated debates over the doctrine of papal infallibility, which was solidified in the First Vatican Council in 1870. Acton, a devout Catholic but also a staunch liberal, saw this doctrine as a concentration of unchecked power, potentially leading to moral degradation. His warning about the corrupting influence of power can be read as a specific critique against the doctrine, but its wisdom extends far beyond that.
Philosophical Lineage: Plato to Machiavelli
The idea that power corrupts has roots in ancient philosophy. Plato’s “Ring of Gyges” tale in “The Republic” and Machiavelli’s “The Prince” both explore how power can deform moral judgment. Lord Acton’s saying captures this age-old wisdom but adds a cautionary layer about the risks of absolutism—of power devoid of checks and balances.
What Does It Mean for Power to Corrupt?
“Corrupt” in this context is multifaceted: it can refer to moral degradation, erosion of virtue, or a turn toward despotic behavior. The idea isn’t merely that power gives people the ability to do bad things, but that it changes them fundamentally. It affects their judgment, moral compass, and sense of accountability—often for the worse.
The Incrementality and Universality of Corruption
The phrase also suggests a proportionality between power and corruption. Power “tends” to corrupt, implying that corruption is not an instantaneous result but a gradual process. Moreover, “absolute power corrupts absolutely” implies that the corruption is not limited to one culture, time, or form of governance—it is a universal human affliction.
Implications for Modern Governance
The maxim has enduring relevance, from corporate governance models to checks and balances in democratic systems. It serves as a cautionary guidepost for any institutional arrangements that centralize power, urging us to consider safeguards and accountability mechanisms.
The Fall of Richard Nixon: A Tale of Power and Corruption
The tale of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, epitomizes Lord Acton’s assertion that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Nixon’s journey from his early days as a politician to his eventual resignation as President serves as a compelling narrative to explore the corrupting influence of power.
Early Aspirations: The Making of a Politician
Nixon began his political career championing anti-communist stances and aligning himself with the “silent majority” of Americans who sought stability and conservatism. He was heralded as a man of the people, driven by an ambition to bring about change. The power he initially gained seemed aligned with the desire to serve the public interest.
The Taste of Power: The Presidency
In 1968, Nixon became President of the United States. Now at the helm of one of the most powerful nations in the world, Nixon had the opportunity to enact his vision. Yet, even here, the seeds of corruption were sown. Nixon began to use clandestine operations to maintain political advantage. The break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex was the tip of an iceberg involving illegal activities that aimed to crush political opposition.
Absolute Power: The Downfall
With each increment of power, Nixon became more insular, authoritarian, and convinced of his own invincibility. When the Watergate scandal broke, Nixon engaged in a cover-up, employing executive privilege to try to shield himself. His actions represented an abuse of presidential power, setting off a constitutional crisis. When impeachment became imminent, Nixon chose to resign, making him the only U.S. President to do so.
The Lessons Learned
Nixon’s fall from grace provides a case study in how power can distort moral compasses and impede judgment. It wasn’t just the act of illegally spying on political opponents that led to his downfall but the subsequent cover-up, an abuse of the enormous power vested in him. His story serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked authority, especially in the highest offices.