Try GOLD - Free
Understanding how power corrupts those who possess it
The Mercury
|February 03, 2026
POWER corrupts.
-
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.Power was never meant to be used responsibly by those who possess it. It is ridiculous to believe that people in power are able to wield it without being affected by it and the way it gratifies the ego.
Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, the Supreme Leader of Iran and Hamas even — The possession of power, the potential to subjugate a people, and the holding of authority, no matter how well intentioned, creates tyrants, albeit in varying degrees. No actor is clean.
Not by a long shot. The man who believes in his own right to power is dangerous but not more dangerous than the one who believes his power is divinely attributed.
This story is from the February 03, 2026 edition of The Mercury.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Mercury
The Mercury
Trump deserves credit for ending Khamenei's tyranny
EXAMPLES of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) are on full display now that the conflict in Iran is the hot news issue.
2 mins
March 06, 2026
The Mercury
Advice for ratepayers on property valuation disputes in eThekwini
PROPERTY owners in the eThekwini Municipality have until the end of March 2026 to lodge any objections for the 5th General Valuation (GV) 2026, which opened on February 13.
2 mins
March 06, 2026
The Mercury
The Swiss army knife of modern hot hatches
THE GTI nameplate in Mzansi is arguably one of the most popular, and after eight generations of the Golf GTI, VW has made welcome improvements to the hot hatch.
2 mins
March 06, 2026
The Mercury
Conrad's uncomfortable honesty is the only cure for the Proteas' knockout curse
Who the hell is Cole McConchie?
3 mins
March 06, 2026
The Mercury
Unlike Israel, Iran is far from being democratic
I REFER to the letter from Ebrahim Essa, “Why should we worry?
1 min
March 06, 2026
The Mercury
Polokwane City coach questions Pirates’ title credentials after narrow defeat
Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe believes his side were unfortunate not to come away with at least a point following their 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates, insisting the result did not reflect the overall balance of the match.
2 mins
March 06, 2026
The Mercury
MKP launches coalition talks to oppose IFP-led GPU
IN A new effort to dislodge the IFP-led Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal from power, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has convened a multiparty meeting to discuss the formation of a new coalition.
1 mins
March 06, 2026
The Mercury
Does the eruption of war deflect from other grave issues?
ON SATURDAY, across many timezones, the world awakened to the news of the death of the Supreme leader of Iran, killed by Israeli missiles targeting his residence.
3 mins
March 06, 2026
The Mercury
Power outages hit uMhlathuze Municipality due to vandalism attacks
THE uMhlathuze Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal has recently been grappling with a spate of vandalism incidents targeting its crucial electricity substations.
2 mins
March 06, 2026
The Mercury
CAF reschedules Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026
THE Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) on Thursday announced a significant change regarding the upcoming Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, originally set to take place from July 25 to August 16.
1 min
March 06, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size