Professor Adam D. Galinsky of Northwestern University divided the experiment participants into two groups. Group A was asked to recall experiences where they had given orders to others, while Group B was asked to remember times when they had received orders. Then, participants were instructed to write the letter ‘E’ on their foreheads. The results showed that 88% of Group B drew the letter in a way that was clearly visible from another person’s perspective, whereas only 67% of Group A did the same.
In a similar experiment, the two groups were once again asked to recall these experiences while researchers observed their mirror neurons, which are closely associated with empathy. The findings revealed that in Group B, the mirror neurons were highly active, whereas in Group A, they were barely activated.
These results demonstrate that when people attain power, they tend to become more self-centered. Author Henry Adams once stated, “The effect of power and publicity on all men is the aggravation of self, a sort of tumor that ends by killing the victim’s sympathies.” Supporting this idea, research also shows that as people’s status rises, changes in hormones and neurotransmitters lead to a decline in empathy.
As we navigate through various groups and communities in life, we may sometimes find ourselves in positions of authority. If we are unaware of these psychological tendencies, it’s easy to become inconsiderate or even rude without realizing it. This is why it’s important to reflect on how we treat those in weaker positions—sometimes, even a single word or small action can make a difference.
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