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‘Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.’ Abraham Lincoln (150 words; 10 marks)
When people are facing difficulties in life, they strive for survival and hence give their best to fight the external threats or aggression. However, their actions don’t reflect their true character since these actions are not voluntary but a reaction to the given adverse situation. When the adverse situation is removed, they are back to their natural self.
Most people do the right thing because of the fear of punishment from the people who are more powerful than them. If there is no fear of punishment, the real character of a person gets exposed. When people get power, they don’t have to fear punishment. In such a situation, their real character is manifested. If they are inherently good, they shall use their power to do good to others; and if they are bad, they would use this power to harm others. Therefore, power is a better method to test one’s character.