That Power will always corrupt even the best intentioned is exactly what our founders understood, and why they designed a system of government with three co-equal branches, and why most power was delegated to the states, and to "the people."
No character in Lord of the Rings is “perfect” or “immaculate”. Each one is a mixture of good and evil, and time after time he or she is called on to choose between a good and an evil action. Nevertheless, “Good” and “Evil” do exist, and - even though people may doubt or may not correctly distinguish one from the other - the two sides are clearly separated. This, of course, is the leading reason why the One Ring can only do bad - it’s a constant temptation to one’s evil side. Even the best man in the world would surrender it sooner or later.
Only from this perspective is it possible to see things with Tolkien’s realistic eyes. He did recognize that people are good and bad, and some of them may freely choose evil and even find it pleasant. This is the consequence of the Fall: human beings are not perfect, and therefore every means of dominion is evil in itself. In fact,** “The proper study of Man is anything but Man; and the most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit to it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity”** (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, 1995, p. 64.)
That Power will always corrupt even the best intentioned is exactly what our founders understood, and why they designed a system of government with three co-equal branches, and why most power was delegated to the states, and to "the people."
No character in Lord of the Rings is “perfect” or “immaculate”. Each one is a mixture of good and evil, and time after time he or she is called on to choose between a good and an evil action. Nevertheless, “Good” and “Evil” do exist, and - even though people may doubt or may not correctly distinguish one from the other - the two sides are clearly separated. This, of course, is the leading reason why the One Ring can only do bad - it’s a constant temptation to one’s evil side. Even the best man in the world would surrender it sooner or later.
Only from this perspective is it possible to see things with Tolkien’s realistic eyes. He did recognize that people are good and bad, and some of them may freely choose evil and even find it pleasant. This is the consequence of the Fall: human beings are not perfect, and therefore every means of dominion is evil in itself. In fact,** “The proper study of Man is anything but Man; and the most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit to it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity”** (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, 1995, p. 64.)