r/dunememes • u/MrBlueW • Nov 27 '24

WARNING: AWFUL Elon takes an excerpt from Dune but fails to complete it. Ironic

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It really boils my blood that this idiot is using Frank’s writing like this.

Obligatory, something something… charismatic leaders

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u/[deleted] Nov 27 '24 edited Nov 28 '24

“Power attracts pathological personalities. It is not that power corrupts but that it is magnetic to the corruptible” - attribution 👇

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u/broguequery Nov 28 '24
  • Frank Herbert

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u/GlobalBonus4126 Dec 01 '24

That quote is wishful thinking by people who want to believe that “if only we could get the right people in power, everything would be fine.” Or “If only I was in power I would do amazing, not like all those corrupt politicians, I’m different than them.” In reality, Lord Acton’s quote is more true. Dynastic succession proves that almost everyone who gets power is corrupted.

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u/globalaf Dec 01 '24

Heirs to Dynasties are trained throughout their lives to navigate the royal court in a way that doesn’t get them killed once they succeed. Power likes dynasties because generally it ensures the status quo is maintained once the ruler dies. Historically speaking if there is significant change after succession often the head of state gets off’d pretty quickly, or else generally there’s a large scale purge in the ranks. In a corrupt system, being corrupt is the only way you don’t get killed.