A review by garukamesh
Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us by Brian Klaas

challenging dark funny informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

People often debate which books should be part of the classroom curriculum. While I'm not entirely certain about the ideal age group for this book, if I had my way, everyone would read it without hesitation. The book offers both a compelling and accessible exploration of power (from dynamics in the workplace to the intricacies of politics) while debunking many myths and half-truths that shape our understanding of authority. It’s no coincidence that those at the top frequently lack humility and altruism; this outcome is a direct result of a system engineered with their self-interest in mind. It's also very compelling that the author very explicitly criticizes studies like the Standford Prison Experiment and avoids simplistic answers that could be biased or inaccurate.

Moreover, the book is both humorous and engaging, enriched with anecdotes that highlight our collective failure to fully grasp the complexities of power; a critical element for a stable and just society. Complementing the book is the author's excellent podcast, Power Corrupts, which delves into truly problematic and occasionally bizarre real-life stories of how power molds our world.