Photo of President Barack Obama addressing situation in Egypt by Pete Souza . The quote “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is a well-known one attributed to the British historian Lord Acton (nineteenth century). What is rarely discussed after someone quotes these words are the different ways that power can and does corrupt. The assumption is that too much power diminishes an individual’s capacity or inclination to render “good works” on behalf of others. At the same time, it increases his or her capacity or inclination to generate malice in the world. Please click for the full article : As Egypt howls and history tweets - National African-American Art | Examiner.com