UPSC Ethics Simplified | Power and ethics: The concept

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Why this topic?

Power has always been at the center of discussion whenever we talk about bureaucracy. Even aspirants like you and those in service would have always faced the gravity of power. It attracts and acts as a great enabler. However, when it starts acting and influencing the rationale of a person, it changes the colour of the character. At the end, the person on the receiving end has no clue about the culture of power. Let’s remember what Abraham Lincoln said,

“Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

What does the quote mean?

Let’s discuss this statement, which has also been asked in UPSC CSE 2013 exam. The above statement conveys that in case of ‘adversity’ or a difficult situation, the majority of people may exhibit good traits of character particularly to cope with that situation or out of the compulsions imposed by that adverse circumstance. Sometimes out of compulsion, they may appear to be humble, honest, truthful amicable, etc. but that is not the real test to certify their character. There is a false state and the real test of a man’s character is witnessed when he/she is equipped with a position of power so that one can maneuver things as per one’s whims and fancies and can exploit others. The meaning of power is the ability to control people or things or to do something. Here, power is not exercised to arrest the power of others but to make others evolved and empowered.

At the time of holding the chair, if a person can manifest ethical characteristics such as integrity, humility, compassion, tolerance and empathy, etc. spontaneously, then only he/she can be considered to be truly a person of high moral character. As it has been frequently seen that even with a small amount of power, people tend to become arrogant, exploitative, egoistic, etc., and tend to use their power to promote their narrow self-interests, this statement provides a valuable caution. It is particularly relevant in the context of public servants who usually hold the position of power and privileges.

How should you answer?

To explain the concept there are salient points that may be elaborated on as a part of the answer are the following:

There is a saying that ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. It is better to elaborate with examples as to why this happens and how it could be avoided. Power and privileges are provided to enable individuals to function effectively for the welfare of the people at large. However, we have to constantly guard against its misuse and among other things, a high moral character is the most foolproof safeguard.

In the position of power, the organisational scrutiny is likely to be and the juniors may also refrain from criticising openly, hence, one needs to be continuously self-vigilant. The important appeal as well as wisdom of the above statement is that there is a strong need for raising one’s moral strength particularly for those who hold the position of power. Only those who can behave ethically while being in a position of power can be truly called the men of character.

As civil service is nothing less than public service, following a bureaucratic attitude for rules or compliance is fine but in the general behavioral and attitudinal interaction it is not the bureaucrat who should exhibit the aura of power but it should be otherwise. The common man could be capable of holding a smile and confidence after interacting with the civil servants. And this is the state and face of power in a democracy.

Post Read Question: Knowledge will give you power, but character respect. Discuss.

Edited by Manas Srivastava

Share your views, answers and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com

(Nanditesh Nilay is the author of ‘Being Good’, Aaiye, Insaan Banaen’ and ‘Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness’. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified (Concepts and Caselets) fortnightly.)

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