The Power Paradox

Dacher Keltner

We tend to think power corrupts randomly. This book shows it follows a predictable pattern — the same empathy and generosity that earn power get eroded once someone actually has it.

A social psychologist's exploration of a striking paradox: power is typically earned through empathy, generosity, and prosocial behavior, but the experience of actually holding power tends to erode exactly those qualities that earned it in the first place.