Study: Political Power breeds Egotism

If “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton), then this is likely to germinate from the ego via the psychological ego’s desire for more power and the consequent actions to acquire it.

Political power, says a study, drives politicians to acquire a hubris syndrome.

From DailyMail.com.uk (hat tip LewRockwell.com) [bold mine]

Dubbed Hubris syndrome, it has been suggested that a number of Prime Ministers may have developed the personality disorder - known as Hubris syndrome - while in power.

Researchers at St George's, University of London have discovered that this personality change was reflected in both Blair's and Thatcher's use of language.

Hubris, say the researchers, is commonly associated with a loss of contact with reality and an overestimation of one's own competence, accomplishments or capabilities.

It is characterised by a pattern of exuberant self-confidence, recklessness and contempt for others, and is most particularly recognised in subjects holding positions of significant power.

Fourteen clinical symptoms of Hubris syndrome have been described. People who show at least three of these could be diagnosed with the disorder.

Power, literally, goes to their head…

Dr Peter Garrard, the lead researcher, from St George's, University of London, said: 'Hubris syndrome represents a radical change in a person's outlook, style and attitude after they acquire positions of power or great influence.

'They become obsessed with their self-image, excessively confident in their own judgement and dismissive of others, often leading to rash, ill thought-out decisions.

'In other words, the acquisition of power can bring about a change in personality: it is as if power, almost literally "goes to their head".

The other way to see this is that egotists desire political power whose ego inflates further once in position. 

Also, political power is a magnet for sociopaths, which seems complimentary to the hubris syndrome.