What do you think about absolute power corrupting absolutely ?

[Mikey]

This has been a sci fi premise since the beginning.

Star Trek used it at least twice in Where No Man Has Gone Before and Hide and Q.

Both times were unrealistic depictions of people who were suddenly given unlimited power and abilities.

Would Gary Mitchell a Star Fleet officer and second in command of the Enterprise REALLY think he was a "God" after a few days ?

Would Riker actually start calling Picard "Jean-Luc" after only a few hours of being given this power ?
Also, would Riker also start talking as a superior being after that same time ?

I'm not saying one might not be changed a little by having unlimited power, but I don't think it would turn you into a different person.

What do you think ?

[enyawd72]

I definitely think it would. I know if I had unlimited power, I'd be a very nice, benevolent dictator.

[Gorn Captain]

I'll let you know once my plans have come to fruition...

[Hedji]

I would just go around saying "What does GOD need with a Starship???"

[YoungOnce]

Absolutely it would change you. In the eyes of the person who gains absolute power, they now have the authority to exercise their "superior" judgement . In The examples you cited, the offenders weren't just granted absolute power but the ability to back it up. In their eyes, they wouldn't be corrupted, more like enlightened.

[HardyGirl]

I think it would. No matter how nice, or level-headed or disciplined you were, if you had the power over others, it would absolutely corrupt you.

[Mikey]

I don't agree.

Even though i'm an avid atheist and this has nothing to do with religion, I do believe the Golden Rule is within all of us by design (unless one is mentally challenged--- ie, a nut case).

Speaking for myself, I would always want approval from my peers -- which would keep me in check.

[Gorn Captain]

I know it's a stupid analogy, but here goes: George Lucas made some good movies when he had no money. Then he got rich and powerful. Need I continue?
It changed him. Nobody said "no" to him anymore. He had no limits. Same thing happened to Cameron, Scott, ...
Limitless power seems to bring out a lot of bad things.
But also good. Look at Bill Gates. Most of his money goes to charity.

I'd say it just enhances aspects of yourself, good or bad.

[Hector]

If I had absolute power...well...lets just say drug cartels, corrupt politicians, gangbangers, thieves, murderers, rapists, child molesters, etc...would cease to exist inside one nano second...

[Klosterheim]

Unnnnnnnlimmmmmmited POWER! -zap zap-

In the case of Gary Mitchell, I think the enhanced ESP factor physically damaged his brain also, and heightened his emotions and desires, especially his aggressiveness. That said, he may have been a little more mellow only as King for a day, but I would say the power would still corrupt him eventually.

(Absolute Power was pretty good, had that guy in it that played a Senator in The Trial of Billy Jack)

An experiment: Grant absolute power to a hard core movie fan as they are sitting down in a movie theater for the midnight showing. Next, have a person totally block his view of the movie screen when the film finally starts.

If the fan does not 'Charlie X' that person, I guess they are incorruptible.

[phil]

I didn't give it too much thought today.

[huedell]

It usually does---especially if the one with the power is young, inexperienced, or felt put upon to any great extent.

If you've ever complained about somebody or some thing in this Universe---I mean, really complained, as in : "I can't stand this..." "I hate when...." "Life is unfair because...." then I see that as the first step to you yourself becoming a corrupted being once you have "absolute power".

[YoungOnce]

The thing is, what does "corrupted" mean? A person might have the same opinion of things when they are powerless. Finding the power just might finally give them the ability to do something about it.

[Klosterheim]

The thing is, what does "corrupted" mean? A person might have the same opinion of things when they are powerless. Finding the power just might finally give them the ability to do something about it.

I'd say for example:

In Commander Riker's mindset, he was fully grounded in reality and morality of his century.

When he is given the power of the 'Q', his thinking becomes corrupted by the power because it changes his reality and his options in life. This is displayed when he tries to "help" his friends, in no way do they want his kind of help. (meanwhile he thinks it's a great idea and they would love it)