Power Corrupts

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Power is a very dangerous obsession because it corrupts many individuals. The idea of power corrupting individuals has been present since the time of Hitler, and Napoleon but it has gotten worst in the present time because of the advance technology and individuals ambition for money. A perfect example of an individual that is corrupted by power is Muammar Gaddafi. Muammar Gaddafi, tyrant of Libya, shocked the world by his use of power. Another great example of how power corrupts an individual is shown in the play, Macbeth written by William Shakespeare. The protagonist, Macbeth, shows how he is corrupted by the use of power. Unfortunately, power corrupts an individual to an extent that it affects people surrounding them and it can eventually turn the individual into a tyrant.

To begin with, individuals who are corrupted by power all exhibit similar character traits. Gaddafi is the current Libyan leader who has abused his power. Gaddafi displays a very courageous type of attitude, which is clearly made known of when he says, “[he] have not yet [order] the use of force…when [he] do, everything will burn” (Ghosh 2). Gaddafi can also be seen as a tyrant, when he says, “[he] am not going to leave this land, and [he] will die here as a martyr” (2). One can conclude how ambitious Gaddafi has gotten to remain in power. Moreover, Macbeth also displays similar character traits in the play Macbeth. As Macbeth starts getting power in his hands, he wanted more. He too showed a very fearless and daring attitude like Gaddafi which is shown when Macbeth says “The very firstlings of my heart shall be the firstlings of my hand” ( Shakespeare 4.1.166-167). Here, Macbeth is trying to emphasize that he is willing to commit any felony to remain ...

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...land’s citizens thought that Macbeth was crazy and hate him because he killed many innocent people; the citizens want Macbeth to leave, just like how Gaddafi’s men hate him and want him to leave. Before showing any violent actions a tyrant must think over the reactions to prevent future conflicts.

In conclusion, one can say that when an individual abuses the use of power it causes negative impacts on a nation. Power has very dangerous uses and it corrupts people, which not only affects the individual but it affects the people surrounding them and turns them into a tyrant. One can learn that power can be beneficial to an entire nation and help stop issues in the world only if it is used correctly. Gaddafi and Macbeth both exhibit how power corrupts which results in a downfall in both of their nations. Power is very dangerous when one tries to take advantage of it.

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