The Disease of Power

Abstract

For years, the damage and dangers that the pursuit of power can pro-duce have been observed. Paranoia, beliefs of infallibility, irresponsibil-ity, loss of contact with reality and high confidence, are consequences that could develop anyone when exercising power, and belong to a clus-ter of symptoms of the Hybris syndrome. This syndrome is not classified as a personality disorder; however, it is observed in many leaders when they exercise political power. For example, Rafael Correa is likely to have acquired the syndrome during his years of government. Through his actions, Correa showed that power transformed him into an arrogant, authoritarian, manipulative and irritable person. For this reason, this article will explain how the exercise of power con transform an individ-ual, taking Rafael Correa as an example.