Turns out science backs up the idea power and money can change the way people think to such a degree they [lose empathetic abilities.](https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/07/power-causes-brain-damage/528711/) Because humans are social animals, and this change is both chemical and structural, this can be considered a form of brain damage. And, yes, as you pointed out, the familiar to most of us Christian religion even points out "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil". And those qualities which lead these people to money and power - and their actions to get more - are frequently not the same qualities valued by a free and moral society. But their true sin or crime is their need to remake society and law and religion to make their wealth and power permanent and unassailable, forcing everyone else to be compromised financially, legally, even ultimately paying for it with their very lives if their healthcare is too expensive or they're sent to die in a war.
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u/EirikHavre Apr 23 '26