The Paradox of the Eleventh Thesis on Feuerbach

People of intelligence and goodwill run the world, but their intelligence convinces them that their self-interest is in the general interest.  The possibility of power -- the biochemical alteration of the human brain in the exercise and pursuit of power -- makes it almost impossible for power to serve justice. Thus, the central paradox of history: having tasted the possibility of power,  understanding subtly changes, and politicians cannot reliably interpret the world.