ever play games as a kid where you got to order other kids around? it provides you with an elation that little else comes close to, you're neurologically rewarded for being the alpha of the pack, you feel invincible and begin to perceive others differently. this is due to the low inhibitions and as of yet undeveloped brain of a child, yet it provides a glimpse into what an adult feels in the same position. imagine you had the power to have people executed at the flick of your wrist, you had the pick of the finest women, foods, clothing, you could attend the best festivals and events not only for free but with massive expenditure on your behalf in subservient appeasement. i believe the romans thought of their emperor's as living gods, as did the japanese and probably many other civilisations. becoming as a god appeals to people because it satisfies possibly every desire you could have, even if base desires don't appeal to you, intellectual pursuits and cultural enjoyment becomes so much more possible and satisfying if you have power. people lose their humanity because the ends begin to seem like they justify the means when the ends are so much better than what a normal, or even above average life could offer.
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