What is the root of real power, power that is consistent with having a satisfying life? That inspires others? That makes us effective leaders?
The people of Ukraine especially, but really the whole world, have been suffering due to political leaders like Putin⎼ and DJT⎼ politicians whose idea of leadership is to center power on themselves alone. Too many people have this maladaptive idea that only by being selfish and ruthless can we be an effective ruler. Some even think that only by being ruthless can we succeed in making the world a better place.
I was just re-reading two articles from the May/June, 2017, Scientific American Mind that clearly show research on power proves the opposite to be true. The first is about the psychological effects of power on the powerful, and that one of many reasons the common idea of power is maladaptive is because it can undermine the motivation by ethical and empathic people to want to take political action. The second article is on self-compassion.
The British politician and historian, Lord John Acton, has often been quoted as saying: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power to corrupt absolutely.” He was mostly speaking of Popes, Roman Emperors, and absolute monarchs, but he could be speaking of Presidents.
In an article called Power Moves: Success Changes How People Think and Act—Often, But Not Always, For the Worse, psychologist and science writer Theodor Schaarschmidt asks if the corrupting influences of power are real and attributable to the mere fact of having power? Or is it that ruthless people are the ones most likely to search for power to begin with? The article discusses psychologist Susan Fiske’s research—as people gain influence, they change. They act with less empathy and with a reduced concern for details.
In general, those in powerful positions tend to overestimate their skills, take greater risks, think in terms of stereotypes, and ignore outside viewpoints. The more power they get, the fewer social norms they tend to follow. They can become “Machiavellian” and disregard moral or even legal limits and feel free to use others in the pursuit of their own status and advantage. Schaarschmidt cites research by psychologist Kibeom Lee showing that when Machiavellian traits combine with narcissism and psychopathy, people act with less honesty and humility.
At first glance, it might seem from this research that empathy is somehow in opposition to the sense of agency and motivation to assume power. However, in his book The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence, psychologist Dacher Keltner says it is social intelligence, or the power to understand, value and advance the goals of others, that yields true power; and it is involved in every relationship and interaction. Without this social intelligence we tend to act like patients who have damaged their brain’s orbitofrontal lobes (the parts of the brain critical to empathy and socially appropriate behavior).
According to Keltner, when we feel powerless, our actions are more inhibited; we are more sensitive to punishment and the needs of others. As our influence and power increase, we become more sensitive to rewards and less sensitive to what might inhibit us. The paradox is that the skills needed to obtain power and to lead effectively are the ones most likely to deteriorate once we have power. Keltner says we tend to “rise in power in the world due to what is best about human nature, but we fall from power due to what’s worst.”
Self-compassion, according to the article The Self-Compassion Solution: Building On A Buddhist Principle, Psychologists Are Learning How Being Kind to Yourself Can Bolster Resilience, Buffer Against Stress and Improve Relationships, by Marina Krakovsky, means “treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would a friend.”
Krakovsky discusses research by psychologist Kristin Neff, who discerned three elements of self-compassion: kindness toward yourself, “paying attention to your suffering in a mindful, nonobsessive way,” and thirdly a cognitive component, where you understand that suffering is a normal part of life. Neff found that people who score high in self-compassion are less prone to anxiety and depression.
Krakovsky also discusses the work by psychologist Juliana Breines, who found that self-compassion also helped people let go of feeling dependent on approval by others for their self-worth. But she asks, would this diminished worry about the opinion of others lead to a loss in motivation, as in schools? Would it result in young people falling behind in their studies? She found the opposite to be true. Students with self-compassion tended, for example, to study even more for a quiz than others.
And in a study with senior citizens, researchers found that people with self-compassion had a stronger sense of well-being. They were more mindful of what they were doing and feeling, and thus more capable of acknowledging and accepting what was true. Self-compassion apparently led to a clearer sense of, and valuing of, who they were and who other people were.
Compassion in general is a readiness to act to reduce suffering. Compassion practices strengthen the insula, which is an area in the cerebral cortex of the brain, behind the frontal lobe, involved in emotional regulation, stimulating energy and focus. Compassion for self and others not only energizes us to act to relieve suffering; it energizes us to act with more awareness. It increases our ability to learn, and to discern what is going on. Especially when combined with mindfulness, it can help people think more clearly and critically.
In today’s world, faced with the biggest war in Europe since World War II, it seems impossible to even suggest, but we need leaders who can think compassionately as well as strategically. Learning compassion is one way leaders can begin to better resist the distorting influence of greed and power.
But how do we make this shift? It would mean an entire transformation in world civilization. I don’t know. But maybe we can begin with how we treat ourselves and others. In how we decide which candidates we support for office and how much we help get out the vote in November. By supporting the Ukrainians in their fight for their lives, their freedom and their country. Every time we pay extra at the pump, we can recognize the workings of corporate as well as Putin’s power-warped, malicious greed, wish the suffering of Russians to cease, and support President Biden’s efforts to both help Ukraine and avoid a world war. We can teach our children compassionate critical thinking at home and in schools⎼ and compassionately speak out for teachers, who deeply need more planning time, Covid safety protocols, and respect.
When we feel anxious, afraid, or excited; or before we speak with someone, we can pause and take a calming breath or two. We can gently look in their eyes. Feel the fact that they breathe, like we do. They feel. They hope.
The power that corrupts is power over others. The power that liberates is power over oneself. The first is power based on opposition and so creates perpetual conflict and distrust. The second is based on understanding self and others, on empathy, on the power to learn and change, and thus creates trust and cooperation. And today, we so need less conflict and division, and more cooperation and empathy.
*I recommend a wonderful, short novel based on the life of the Buddha, by Satish Kumar, called The Buddha and the Terrorist, which makes clear the differences between these two types of power.
**This article is an update and re-write of an earlier piece I wrote, https://irarabois.com/power-liberates-vs-power-corrupts/
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