The Daily Stoic Dr. Kara Cooney on the Power Strategies of the Ancient World | This Is The Secret To Stoicism
Nov 3, 2021
Dr. Kara Cooney, a UCLA professor and Egyptologist, dives into the ancient power tactics explored in her book, The Good Kings. She discusses the balance of short-term and long-term thinking crucial for maintaining power in ancient Egypt. The conversation weaves through historical figures like Akhenaten, touching on how privilege and entitlement shaped leadership dynamics throughout history. Cooney also contrasts ancient governance with modern societal issues, emphasizing the need for integrity and responsible leadership in today's world.
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Privilege and Corruption
- Inherited privilege can corrupt power, removing the drive to prove oneself.
- This can lead to a sense of entitlement and a disregard for the consequences of one's actions.
Generational Privilege
- Generational privilege can create entitled leaders who lack the motivation to work hard.
- This can be seen in families like the Trumps, where each generation inherits more privilege.
Power Reveals
- Power reveals character; it doesn't necessarily corrupt it.
- A good person might withstand power's corrupting influence, while a bad person's flaws will be magnified.
