Since this is my first post, I apologize for it being long, but I do so
to avoid any controversy or multiple posts coming back to say I'm wrong
in one way or another, even though knowing these boards, it's very
eminent. Once again I am sorry, but I wished my voice to be heard.
I wish to say that your view of corruption is at fault Dio. Corruption
is the state of a person who wishes for him/herself nothing but power,
money and trinkets in this world. A person who strives only to help
themselves in all they do with no concern for others, most of the time
stepping on others to acheive their goals, is one who is following a
path of corruption.
When you said if he had no desire, there would be no leadership....what
a laugh. I'm sorry, but from what I've seen, if there is a corrupt
leader somewhere, regardless of where, normally they are removed from
their position of power due to their personal wants coming before that
of what is being lead. Leadership exists because of ambition, an
ambition to help others do what they can not by themselves. A true
leader always puts himself second and what he is leading first, aiding
others before they take time to deal with their own matters, not the
other way around.
As for the possessions part, basically anything money can buy, think
about it this way. If the world somehow got to the point that it no
longer needed money, where people worked only for what was needed,
rather than the extra stuff that is desired then yes, the world would be
free of corruption.
Another fine example, hmm, pour liquid corruption on the
Yggdrasil.....well, how did that turn out? Everyone who was immolated,
lost more experience, got random afflictions and hey! Low and behold,
someone gained from it. Sounds like corruption to me, someone gaining,
someone getting stepped on. Then pouring liquid corruption on the flame,
which I believe now sputters close to death....another corruption
example, seeking corruption brings death to everything in it's path to
benefit someone else.
As for seeking personal goals, corruption only exists in striving for
goals if these goals befit corruption. If I strive to be the most
powerful and the richest in Aetolia so that I may bask in my wealth and
all it's glory and push the little guy around, then yes. But if my goal
is to become the most powerful or the richest in the world so that I may
use my skills/money to help others, once again, putting yourself second,
then no, it is not corruption driving us towards these goals.
On a final note, you stated that in Aetolia, most don't strive to be
benevolent to others. While that may be true in your world, but I grew
up in Aetolia meeting people who were more than willing to lend me aide
when I needed it and I am glad to say that I have grown up to be one
myself. Kinda shows you were the corruption is in this world. I myself
do NOT state myself to be perfect and I'm sure that there are people who
will post saying that I'm not innocent of corruption in one way or
another, but it is something I am working myself towards.

Thank you for your time Aetolia, walk well in the light,
Ambassador of Fire, Talonnb Silverain.

Penned by my hand on the 24th of Arios, in the year 148 MA.