Power Causes Brain Damage

Power Causes Brain Damage

6/22/2017

link

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/07/power-causes-brain-damage/528711/

summary

In this thought-provoking article, the author delves into the psychological and neurological effects of power on the human brain. Drawing on several scientific studies and examples from history, the article argues that power has a tendency to erode essential cognitive abilities, such as empathy, perspective-taking, and self-awareness. The author suggests that the possession of power can lead individuals to become less attuned to the thoughts and feelings of others, making them more prone to unethical behavior and a distorted sense of reality. By examining the neurological changes associated with power, this article sheds light on the potential dangers and pitfalls of wielding authority.

tags

power and brain function ꞏ neurology ꞏ social psychology ꞏ cognitive neuroscience ꞏ decision-making ꞏ hierarchical structures ꞏ leadership ꞏ authority ꞏ cognitive impairment ꞏ cognitive bias ꞏ ego ꞏ personality ꞏ executive functions ꞏ self-regulation ꞏ moral reasoning ꞏ empathy ꞏ social cognition ꞏ social influence ꞏ social hierarchy ꞏ social dynamics ꞏ mental health ꞏ stress ꞏ emotional intelligence ꞏ neuroscience of power ꞏ psychological effects of power ꞏ cognitive decline ꞏ cognitive flexibility ꞏ cognitive control ꞏ power dynamics ꞏ social behavior ꞏ human behavior ꞏ social power ꞏ ego depletion ꞏ self-perception ꞏ interpersonal relationships ꞏ leadership psychology ꞏ group dynamics ꞏ personality traits ꞏ psychological well-being ꞏ emotional regulation ꞏ social status ꞏ social responsibility ꞏ ethics ꞏ ethical decision-making ꞏ ethical leadership ꞏ intellectual decline ꞏ vulnerability ꞏ mental capacity