In philosophical, theological, or moral discussions, corruption is spiritual or moral impurity or deviation from an ideal. Corruption entails many forms including bribery and embezzlement. Government corruption occurs when an elected representative makes decisions that are influenced by vested interest rather than their own personal or party ideological beliefs.
This article deals with the commonplace use of the term corruption to mean dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.
Read more about Corruption: Etymology, Different Scales, Different Sectors, Different Methods, Legality, Philosophy
Famous quotes containing the word corruption:
““Our earth is degenerate in these latter days. Bribery and corruption are common. Children no longer obey their parents. . . . The end of the world is evidently approaching.” Sound familiar? It is, in fact, the lament of a scribe in one of the earliest inscriptions to be unearthed in Mesopotamia, where Western civilization was born.”
—C. John Sommerville (20th century)
“Were it not for the corruption and viciousness of degenerate men, there would be no ... necessity that men should separate from this great and natural community, and by positive agreements combine into smaller and divided associations.”
—John Locke (1632–1704)
“Every clique is a refuge for incompetence. It fosters corruption and disloyalty, it begets cowardice, and consequently is a burden upon and a drawback to the progress of the country. Its instincts and actions are those of the pack.”
—Madame Chiang Kai-Shek (b. 1898)