What motivates politicians?

Barry Vosloo

I have often wondered what drives people to pursue a political career. A random internet search yielded some interesting points of view.

Brian Walden, a political analyst for the BBC: “In my experience, the aspects of politics that arouse some interest have practically nothing to do with ideology. Politicians get more satisfaction from exercising power than from relaxation and taking their ease. Click here to read more.

Jonathan Keller of James Madison University, USA: “Politicians have core sources of self-validation — the criteria by which one judges one’s worth as a political leader. Those who are internally validated — whose primary source of self-validation is faithful adherence to an ideology or mission — will adhere rigidly to those policy options they perceive are necessary. In contrast, other political leaders are externally validated; their key source of self-worth is the approval of others.” Click here to read more.

Lisa J. Cohen, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Beth Israel Medical Center/ Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, suggests that politicians have particular personality traits. “One of the most common traits,” she state, “is that of narcissism. In effect, narcissism refers to a very fragile and unstable sense of self. In order to compensate for their fragile self esteem, narcissistic people become preoccupied with their self image. Typical narcissists have an inflated sense of self importance and an elevated need for attention, status and recognition.” Click here to read more.

Michael I. Rothfeld, an American political consultant:  “Politics can be seductive. The chance to rub elbows with elected officials, being looked up to by people in the community, invitations to and recognition at special events, being quoted in the media, or even an appointment to some committee or task force, are the trinkets politicians are often prepared to die for. Click here to read more.

But most politicians in a healthy democracy probably get into it with a real desire to improve something or to right a wrong. However, it cannot be denied that others simply become infatuated with wielding the power their positions entitle them to and lose sight of the people they are supposed to be representing.