In my life I have frequently heard women say, that if women ruled the world it would be a better place. I have even heard a few men say this.
I have never seen evidence to support this proposition. Good people come in all genders. The premise of ruling the world, is based on having power over large numbers of people. Humans have discovered no checks and balances for this type of power. We aren’t nearly as clever as we think we are, as I wish we were.
In 1887 Lord Acton (an English historian) said, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
I have not yet seen any examples where this is not the case. The greater the power, the greater the corruption.
This is why I do not think women would do a better job at handling power, the problem is not with gender, but with the nature of power, it offers only a pretence of accountability, that is its flaw.
I am thinking about this today, as I watch a series called Empresses in the Palace. Produced in China, for Chinese audiences, in 2011 and 2012. The women vie for power just as viscously as the males. My observations in the academy, a tiny and less significant version of a hierarchical power structure, was similar in many ways, regardless of gender. I do not believe humans can create a just and peaceful society using an hierarchical power structure. I think as a species we have got it wrong. I often wonder when it all started, at what stage in human history did this type of social structure come into use. Did we do better in the unknowable past, or were we inherently prone to creating injustice and misery for ourselves? I wonder, always have.
Worldly
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Quote
“I think there’s a god and I know it’s not me.”
Michael J. Fox
1961 –
An interesting ponder! Of course, the names of a few less than savory females in power or vying for power came to mind!
Joan, “less than savory”, love the phrase!
I’m going to give you a hug. I think what you believe is quite sad, that no one in power at all can be basically labeled “good”. I can think of atleast one person who I believe has done what you believe is impossible, but that’s as far as I will go as there’s no telling who I might annoy with my opinion.
I have a degree in Psychology, and I do believe I’ve met several good, self-actualized people. Obviously, my meeting only a few in all these years shows there probably aren’t many of them, but I have no doubt they are out there. Of course, most such people don’t personally feel the need to reach the highest level of their government, but some have been encouraged to do so and succeeded.
Teri, I am glad you have met someone in power for whom you have high regard, and that you know good people who have succeeded in powerful positions!