Chicken or the Egg?

Just the other day I found myself in a discussion with
someone wondering the same thing I have; Is the
preponderance of powerful people with narcissism
indicative of those folks being drawn to those positions,
or do people become that way after becoming involved
in high level jobs/positions?

I think, really, it's rather a  moot point. The reality seems
easily evidenced that there is a direct correlation between
sociopathy and power.

It's safe to say that people who want constant approval
and accolades are going to be drawn to high stakes and
high rewards work.

Also easy to note that manipulators and con men and liars
do very well in politics, the boardroom, and the church.

So is it safe to say that these high-ranking positions of
control are tailor-made for someone who only mimics
human emotion but is not bound by it? That the ability
to separate from other people and work tirelessly on a
fanaticized goal is actually of benefit to those who manage
and puppeteer things at the top?

The fighting spirit, the ruthlessness, the 'by any means
necessary' attitude which has come to be synonymous with
corporate greed and commercialism is now the American
pass time. Tough choices, nonplussed by decisions, never
apologizing...these all suit a business person well.

And 'not looking back' certainly helps a sociopath get
ahead. Even if there was a chance they'd feel remorse
when looking back to see all the damage left in their wake.

The common thread in the leaders of our superficially
ideal society is that a pretty face is put on things while the
dark and insane realities of the inner workings makes a
hot dog production line look pleasant. Churches, law
enforcement, government, politics, business, and all the
rest have a selfish, devious, cunning approach to making
sure their agenda is done, and those being imposed upon
think it was actually their own idea!

So, did the people create the system, or did the system
create the people? And how on earth do we get out from
under this self-perpetuating monstrosity?

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