The Problem with Wealth and Power

The ancient spiritual masters all knew of the dangers of wealth and power. The famous quote by Lord Acton in 1887 states "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." When people do not have the moral foundation necessary to receive absolute power, it corrupts them.

The corrupting power of wealth and power is a major problem with the popular fantasy books about manifesting wealth The initial problem with that sort of belief systems is that people become more materialistic and selfish. The deeper problem is that it sets us up to be corrupted. So to contend that "The Secret" is a spiritual practice is an oxymoron, like "jumbo shrimp." By definition, if you are attempting to manifest wealth, you probably are not ready for it.

The corrupting power of wealth and power is one reason why most spiritual masters who became enlightened or close to God insisted that we must let go of any attachments to material or worldly matters if we wish to become enlightened. Selfishly hoarding or controlling others becomes a narcotic and is extremely toxic. Being focused on our needs is the true path to misery. Being focused on the needs of others is the true path of the divine.

Another example of this has hit the news in the last few days, ironically between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tiger Woods, perhaps the most successful and powerful professional athlete who ever lived, was discovered betraying his family over and over again. He certainly needs our compassion and prayers because even though he still is worth many millions, he has lost many things more precious than wealth.

When people become leaders, there is always the trap of sex and graft. Why does this happen over and over again? Tiger's house of cards built around family values and upstanding virtue fell quickly when it was discovered it was all a lie. It is not that these people are "bad", they simply did not understand that power and wealth without a spiritual foundation is like a castle built on sand.

How many times do we have to witness these examples before we turn away from worshiping money and begin to focus on the virtues that will carry us through times without money? Honesty, commitment, loyalty, and selflessness are much more important than wealth. I wonder if there is a test we could give leaders that would ascertain whether they have the moral foundation for that kind of power? It sure would be helpful.