Why Do We Let the Selfish Rule the World?
Why Do We Let the Selfish Rule the World? Power, Psychology, and the Perks of Looking Out for Number One Ever watched someone rise to power and thought, “How did they get there?” You’re not alone. From corporate boardrooms to political podiums, the people who ascend to the top aren’t always the most compassionate—or even the most competent. Often, they’re simply the boldest. This post explores the psychological and systemic reasons we let selfish individuals lead, what it reveals about us, and how we might turn the tide. Keyword: selfish leaders . Let’s examine what our systems reward—and how we can change the rules of the game. The Psychology Behind Power and Selfishness Power doesn’t always corrupt—it often attracts those already drawn to it. Psychologists talk about the “dark triad”: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. People with these traits are disproportionately likely to seek leadership, especially in competitive environments. Why? Because pow...