There’s an old joke: the higher your rank, the funnier your jokes.

Power distorts reality. People laugh at your unfunny jokes. They nod when you speak. They agree with your ideas, cater to your whims, and defer to your judgment. It’s easy to start believing your instincts are flawless, your decisions unassailable.

Consider This

Keanu Reeves, despite his immense fame, is known for his humility. He’s given away millions, treats his film crew with generosity, and remains warm and engaging with fans. A video of him giving up his subway seat to a stranger went viral—not because it was extraordinary, but because it was ordinary.

Power didn’t change him. And that’s rare.

Putting It Into Play


Ryan Holiday, on The Daily Stoic, cites Marcus Aurelius’ commitment to “not being stained purple”—a metaphor for the imperial robes that symbolized his power. In other words, not letting power erode his character.

It’s a battle for all of us. A little status boost can make us bossy with friends, dismissive of new ideas, or resistant to change. The smartest person in the room might shut down discussion. The most senior team member might reject innovation. The most popular in a group might dictate the plans for the evening.

The real challenge isn’t just how we wield power, but how we hold it back. 

Power can be intoxicating, but it doesn’t have to be corrupting. Marcus Aurelius resisted it by practicing self-reflection, surrounding himself with honest advisors, and reminding himself of his mortality. Keanu Reeves stays grounded by avoiding entourages, living modestly, and focusing on generosity. The best antidote to power’s pull? Keep perspective, stay connected to real life, and use influence to serve rather than be served.