Mebel thinks that “The more power and money [powerful men] amass, the more fragile their egos become.” (p. 262). What do you feel about this statement? Is it accurate?
Unfortunately, in many instances I do believe that as men amass more power, wealth, and start to believe their own press that their egos become more fragile, deluded, and even, depraved. Probably shouldn’t name names
but let’s just say “Epstein Mess” as an extreme example.
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I think this very much depends upon the individual person. However, if any person begins with a fragile ego, or delusions regarding themselves, those tendencies may well be exacerbated by gaining more power and wealth.
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Unfortunately, this was Mebel’s experience with the important men in her life, Henk, Sammy, and Alain. I was honestly surprised about Alain. I thought he was going to be a reliable person in Mebel’s life.
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Um, anyone look at the White House lately? Enough said.
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I agree with this 75%. There are many men I know you are generous and humble with their wealth. Could it depend on what social circles you are involved with? People you are competing with openly or with subtlety can keep you anxious.
I can see how a man who gained power and wealth by wresting it from others might see his current status as tenuous, which could lead to insecurities and the need to defend himself (his ego) against any perceived threats. It’s also possible these men she’s referring to were insecure to begin and it’s what drives them to seek validation from others by gaining wealth and power.
Absolutely. We’re seeing it play out in real time in the world today, to the detriment of all.
I think that’s true, for the most part. Of course, there are always outliers (meaning humble, confident, successful men) but most powerful and wealthy men I have known have had very fragile egos. Not that I’m surrounded by multitudes of wealthy people, mind you, just sayin’.
while watching the mess that is our current political climate, I’d say this is absolutely true.
Absolutely. They are so used to being in control and surrounded by yes-men that they don’t know what to do when they are questioned. Especially by women. And they are terrified of losing their power.
I don’t know about that. I look at the White House and think the opposite. I don’t see tiny egos. I see huge overblown egos. I don’t think they are overcompensating. I generally think that everyone there thinks that they are smarter and generally better than the rest of us. They think they are above reproach.
I didn’t like this last minute twist you Alain. I thought it came out of the blue. I would have liked some hints leading up to it
I feel like this statement is sadly true, at times to the detriment of us as people and a society.
It is perhaps stereotypical, but often true. This type of man sees his entire being through wealth and power and the constant fear of losing it all and no longer being ‘the man’.
From the high school football star who cannot cope with being just an Everyman, to the Yalegrad who doesn’t get that job at JP Morgan, to the CEO of multi national corporations that need to denigrate the employee serfs with demands in order to feel powerful.