John Antioco's Lack Of Power

Throughout history certain people have always had power over others. A social hierarchy has always existed, whether a king was at the top, or a powerful CEO. Many rulers or bosses act rashly whether it is passing laws on a whim or undergoing a major business plan without thinking. One example is King Louis XIV. Louis decided to tax his peasants even when his country was in debt, and most peasants in his country were starving to death. His rash actions before the French Revolution ultimately led to his beheading by the citizens of France. The king believed his status justified what his actions would be, and therefore caused him to act irrationally and foolishly. The concept of having a higher status and greater power motivates people to behave …show more content…
According to Nathanael Fast, “People with a position of power believed they could control outcomes that stretched beyond their actual power” (Rigoglioso 1). Misconceptions about the limit of one’s power leads to rash actions due to those being deceived by their power to try to do something outside of their power. This is shown in businesses. Many CEOs make “over-optimistic decisions” when creating new plans for their business, even when the plan may turn out to be a failure in the future. One example is when Blockbuster CEO John Antioco, had too much overconfidence in himself, and his company. Ten years ago Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings wanted to sell Netflix to Blockbuster for only $50 million. Antioco decided against it, and now Blockbuster has gone out of business due to online streaming services. Antioco rashly decided against buying the up and coming Netflix, due to the overconfidence power had given him in his …show more content…
In one study conducted by researchers “participants who were primed for power had much higher self-esteem scores and a much greater illusion of control than those primed for disempowerment” (Rigoglioso 1). This is seen in the case of Don Pedro. Since the Prince has grown up in royalty, and has recently won a war, he believes he can influence those around him. He decides to help Claudio gain his love by helping him realize that “she is worthy” and wooing her on his behalf (Much Ado. 1.1.206).Don Pedro is confident enough in his word to rush into marriage plans. After his dastardly brother’s scheme Don Pedro drops back, and ends up ruining the wedding he is unable to control himself or Claudio from reprimanding Hero. As a Prince, especially as one who recently won a war bringing peaceful times, he has a responsibility to keep his citizens happy and let them live in peace. Yet he cannot even control his friends peace, as he doesn’t use his power to investigate if Hero truly is a whore, yet uses it to scold and shame

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