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used to imply that the more power a person has, the more likely they are to abuse that power and act in their own self-interest, rather than in the interest of others
What is the origin of the proverb "absolute power corrupts absolutely" and when to use it?
The proverb "absolute power corrupts absolutely" is attributed to the British historian and politician Lord Acton, who first used it in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887. It suggests that unchecked authority can harm moral values and lead individuals to prioritize their own desires over the well-being of others. The proverb serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of concentrated power and the need for checks and balances in systems of governance.
