Dumbledore not corrupted (was Re: Rowling and Philosophy)

[Jonathan Pessin]

No: HPFGUIDX 53657

dimercury7 wrote:

"Here's the obvious next question... There are alot of powerful GOOD 
wizards out there... why hasn't the power corrupted them?"

I think one quote from SS/PS is particularly relevant here; it's from the American paperback, page 11:

"'You flatter me,' said Dumbledore calmly.  'Voldemort had powers I will never have.'
'Only because you're too - well - NOBLE to use them." (JKR's emphasis)

What this suggests to me is that Dumbledore has willingly TURNED DOWN powers that he could otherwise have posessed.  This, IMO, is the secret to his non-corruption.  Dumbledore has power, yes, but he does not SEEK power, neither for its own sake or for his own.  Dumbledore only seeks the measure of power he needs in order to perform his tasks.  If you'll allow me a slightly off-topic analogy, Dumbledore is like Gandalf when he refuses the Ring: Both of them turn down powers which could corrupt them.  

Hobbit-guy, who loves making analogies to LOTR even when it's not strictly allowed.

"You haven't been getting into the Gaffer's home brew again, have you?"
"No... Well, yes, but that's beside the point."
-Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, Fellowship of the Rings Extended Edition DVD