The Daily Stoic

Brian Klaas on the Pursuit of Power and How It Corrupts | It’s About What We’re Willing To Give

Feb 2, 2022

Brian Klaas, an associate professor of global politics and host of Power Corrupts, dives into the complexities of power and its effects on morality. He discusses how power can corrupt or reveal character flaws, emphasizing the need for empathetic leadership. The conversation illuminates the psychological burdens faced by leaders, exploring traits like narcissism and psychopathy. Klaas also critiques the moral implications of leadership and offers insights into fostering integrity within political systems, urging a closer look at accountability and diverse representation in power.

01:14:07

Episode guests

Brian Klaas

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Duty and Sacrifice in Stoicism

5min

The Corruption of Power

16min

The Weight of Power and Moral Accountability

4min

The Morality of Power: A Dive into Nuclear Ethics and Leadership

13min

The Hidden Costs of Power and Its Pursuit

5min

The Nature of Power: Illusions and Insights

14min

Systemic Corruption and Innovative Oversight in Law Enforcement

5min

Unmasking Power: Accountability and Leadership

13min

10.

Power and Morality

4min

Ryan reads today’s daily meditation and talks to professor Brian Klaas about his new book Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us, why we should minimize the psychological distance between leaders and the people they lead, the differences between functional and dysfunctional psychopaths, and more.

Brian Klaas is an associate professor of global politics at University College London and the host of the award-winning Power Corrupts podcast. Klaas is a contributor to The Washington Post and a regular guest on CNN, MSNBC, BBC News, Sky News, NPR News, BBC Radio, Bloomberg and CNBC. He has advised NATO, the European Union, and several major international NGOs. Klaas received his doctorate in politics from the University of Oxford.

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