Power can be destabilizing from "summary" of The Power Paradox by Dacher Keltner
Power can be destabilizing. The ability to influence others, to control resources, to shape outcomes is a heady elixir. It can go to our heads, distorting our perceptions and undermining our capacities for empathy and rational thinking. When people wield power, they often act impulsively, indulging their own desires and ignoring the needs and feelings of others. They become more likely to lie, cheat, and steal, behaving in ways that are harmful to the social groups they inhabit. Power can also be destabilizing in its impacts on the body and mind. It undermines our physical health, making us more susceptible to illness and disease. It alters the functioning of our brains, impairing our ability to think clearly and make wise decisions. The more power people have, the less able they are to regulate their emotions and impulses, leading to greater stress and reduced well-being. The destabilizing effects of power arise from a number of different sources. One key factor is the way power changes our perceptions of ourselves and others. When we feel powerful, we are more likely to view ourselves as superior to those around us, less subject to the rules that govern ordinary mortals. This sense of entitlement can lead us to behave in arrogant and domineering ways, alienating those who might otherwise support us. Power also tends to reduce our sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others. It makes us less attuned to the social cues that guide our interactions, less able to pick up on the subtle signals that indicate when we are going too far. As a result, we are more likely to overstep boundaries and offend those around us, undermining the relationships that sustain us. The destabilizing effects of power can be seen at every level of society, from the family to the workplace to the political arena. In families, power struggles can tear relationships apart, leading to cycles of conflict and resentment that can last for generations. In workplaces, power imbalances can lead to abuses of authority, creating toxic environments that harm the mental and physical health of employees. In politics, the corrupting influence of power can undermine the democratic process, eroding trust in institutions and fueling social unrest. The destabilizing effects of power are not limited to any particular context or group. They are a universal phenomenon, affecting all of us to some degree as we navigate the complex web of social relationships that make up our lives.
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