Q. “Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln (2013, 10 Marks)
Introduction
Abraham Lincoln’s statement highlights the ethical truth that adversity reveals resilience, but power reveals a person’s true moral character. Power can corrupt, elevate ego, or strengthen virtue depending on the individual’s values.
1. Power as the Ultimate Ethical Test
Power gives authority and control over people and resources.
It removes external constraints, allowing inner values to dominate behaviour.
Example: Many corruption scandals (e.g., bribery, misuse of office) surface only after individuals assume authority.
2. Adversity Builds Strength; Power Exposes Weakness
In adversity, individuals focus on survival, discipline and hard work.
Power brings temptation, revealing greed, arrogance or humility.
Example: T.N. Seshan demonstrated that power can be used to strengthen democratic processes and public good.
3. Ethical Use vs Misuse of Power
The true test lies in whether decisions made under power uphold fairness, justice and accountability.
Examples:
- Use: Lal Bahadur Shastri used power with humility and moral discipline.
- Misuse: Political and bureaucratic scams reflect how power without ethics leads to abuse.
4. Power Can Distort Perception and Behaviour
Power can create a sense of invincibility, reducing empathy and increasing authoritarian tendencies.
Example: The Stanford Prison Experiment showed how power quickly leads to dominance and cruelty.
5. Public Office Demands Higher Moral Character
Those in authority influence institutions, public trust and national well-being.
Integrity, humility and transparency become essential virtues.
Example: Whistleblower Manjunath Shanmugam upheld ethics even while holding authority.
Conclusion
Lincoln’s observation remains timeless: adversity tests strength, but power tests morality. True character is revealed in how individuals exercise authority—with humility, fairness and responsibility. Ethical leadership requires using power for collective welfare, not personal gain.