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...
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