In 1887, Lord Acton said...
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In 1887, Lord Acton said, "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Sixteen years later, Thomas Bailey Aldrich echoed this warning when he said, "The possession of unlimited power will make a despot of almost any man. There is a possible Nero in the gentlest human creature that walks."
These words have been proven correct by the scandals of the past few years in which certain religious despots accumulated wealth and enormous power which allowed them to mislead many thousands of followers. In most cases, the supporters of the errant leaders suffered only disillusionment and a loss of money. In at least one instance, however, in a place called Jonestown, the disciples followed a power-mad messiah into death.
The true leader, however, will not seek power, but will seek "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
-- Byrd
These words have been proven correct by the scandals of the past few years in which certain religious despots accumulated wealth and enormous power which allowed them to mislead many thousands of followers. In most cases, the supporters of the errant leaders suffered only disillusionment and a loss of money. In at least one instance, however, in a place called Jonestown, the disciples followed a power-mad messiah into death.
The true leader, however, will not seek power, but will seek "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
-- Byrd
