In Barbara W. Tuchman's "The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam," the author explores how the pursuit of power often comes with significant moral consequences. Those who seek power may become corrupted or diminished in character, sacrificing their ethical values and purpose in the process. This degradation highlights a troubling aspect of human ambition where the quest for authority can overshadow one's integrity.

The notion that acquiring power can lead to a loss of virtue emphasizes the complex relationship between ambition and morality. Tuchman's insights serve as a cautionary reminder that the desire for control may result in a troubling transformation, where individuals find themselves achieving their goals yet losing the very qualities that defined their humanity.