Power Corrupts

Henry VIII, is a perfect example of the corruption that can occur when a person possesses, not only every material thing he could possibly want, but the total power to take a human life if someone disagrees with him. Philippa Gregory describes this man who can barely walk, as so obese from eating so much of the rich food served to him. His clothes are sewed with precious jewels and furs, and his surroundings are extravagantly elegant with woven tapestries and ornaments made of precious metals. But he is not gracious about, or grateful for his possessions; he wants more. He has shut down churches, abbeys and monasteries, stealing their art and religious treasures for himself, leaving beggars and homeless without a place to be fed or lodged. He has hanged monks from the rafters of their own monasteries and hanged or beheaded thousands who dare utter...