I had been in politics for over a decade. I had pure intentions and still do — to serve the poor, the vulnerable, to fight injustice… 

I witnessed, on a number of occasions, the Prime Minister, ministers, mayors, and many politicians behind closed doors. It was through these experiences that I developed a deep understanding of corruption, greed, narcissism, and so on. 

I thought I could be on the inside whilst holding on to my integrity and my humanity. Make no mistake. It is insidious and it leaves no one behind. 

The majority of politicians (dare I say 99% of them?) — be it in a “democracy” or otherwise — are, one way or another, corrupt. You must corrupt yourself (if you aren’t already). If you refuse? Well, you’ll be beating aimlessly against the wind – that is, after all, what it felt like for me. 

And that is why I (painfully) exited (and why I lost in the elections). 

Would I do it all over again? Probably not. 

But in 10 years, and having built this experience on a foundation of studying for many years, I did learn – with intricate detail – how the world ‘works’ and what 99% only know on the surface. 

This is not an attack on politicians. Nor should it appear as though I’m speaking down from some moral high horse. This is, perhaps, a cry for humanity. 

He who increases knowledge increases sorrow.