The Art of Manliness How Power Corrupts
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Apr 6, 2022 
In this engaging discussion, Brian Klaas, author of "Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us," dives into the unsettling connection between power and corruption. He reveals how individuals with toxic traits often seek positions of authority, showcasing the 'dark triad' of personality characteristics. Klaas shares fascinating examples, such as a domineering homeowners' association president and a manipulative school janitor. He emphasizes the need for accountability and integrity to mitigate corruption and explores strategies for ethical leadership.
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The Chicken and Egg of Power and Corruption
- Power corrupts, but corrupt individuals are also more likely to seek power.
- Focusing only on the corrupting influence of power ignores the problem of self-selection.
The Recent Rise of Hierarchy
- Human societies' tendency toward hierarchy is relatively recent.
- Hunter-gatherer societies were mostly egalitarian, actively suppressing power grabs.
Power Attracts the Dark Triad
- Positions of authority attract individuals with specific traits, creating a selection bias.
- These traits include a hunger for power and characteristics known as the "dark triad."
