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But for those who became proud and selfish because of power, what awaits them is a surprising downfall, and they will never be able to recover ever again.

All too often we hear that people change, and time changes. But not all changes are natural. Just like what the late US President Abraham Lincoln had pointed out when he said: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”

The change in character of a person because of power can be self-destructive, and many have succumbed to its venom, and had never recovered from their downfall.

Other things can change a person. For instance, some people undergo change in their attitude and conduct of life after accumulating a lot of money. Instead of being generous, money has made them greedy, insecure, cynical, and restless.

Some people were changed by their elevated status in society. This is best manifested by those who have attained some sort of extraordinary achievement in sports, career, or in the academe.

Change can also occur when one has changed his/her geographical location. While some Filipinos living abroad remain humble, hospitable, unassuming, simple, there are those who have lived outside the Philippines who are being transformed by other cultures.

Even marriage in itself can change a person. As they say that behind every successful man is a good wife, a man’s life can also be wrecked by a woman’s influence. Socrates even joked about this fact of life when he said: “By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.”

On the other hand, life’s sorrows can also change a person. Because of pain and suffering, some people turned to God, and were transformed into His likeness while others became bitter after being battered by life’s problems and complexities.

But what is that change that can destroy the self and even the world?

It is the change brought about by the possession of power. Because of power, Adolf Hitler became a monster, and ordered the massacre of millions of Jews. Because of power, Marcos was transformed from being a brilliant statesman into a ruthless dictator. Because of power, an economist in the name of Gloria Arroyo attempted to hold onto political power without end through various machinations only to fade into oblivion in the end. Because of power and pride, an angel became an evil and rebelled against God.

Power is good if it is used for people’s welfare. And Spiderman knows it so well. Spiderman is often quoted as saying, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Political power, in a democratic society like ours, is vested by the people. They elect certain individuals to rule over them. People give power to their leaders so that they can use this power for the common good.

I truly admire politicians who remain humble and kindhearted notwithstanding the power bestowed upon them by their constituents. Pres. Noynoy Aquino comes to mind. Gov. Edgar Chatto comes to mind. They are examples of individuals who have refused to be changed by their political position, and whose character remains geared toward serving their constituents.

But for those who became proud and selfish because of power, what awaits them is a surprising downfall, and they will never be able to recover ever again.