Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best

Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best

Edward Abbey, an American author and environmentalist, was a firm believer in the idea that power is always dangerous. Throughout his works, Abbey often explored the corrupting influence of power and the ways in which it can bring out the worst in people. In his novel "The Monkey Wrench Gang," Abbey portrays a group of environmental activists who take extreme measures to protect the natural world from destruction, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for corruption.

Abbey's characters in "The Monkey Wrench Gang" are driven by a deep sense of moral righteousness and a desire to protect the environment from the destructive forces of industrialization. However, as they become more powerful and influential in their efforts to sabotage development projects, they begin to lose sight of their original intentions and become consumed by their own power. This gradual descent into corruption serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the ways in which it can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals.

Abbey himself was no stranger to the corrupting influence of power. As a prominent figure in the environmental movement, Abbey wielded a great deal of influence and authority in his efforts to protect the natural world. However, he was also acutely aware of the potential for power to corrupt, and he often spoke out against the abuses of power that he witnessed in society.