The article delves into the nature of power and its corrupting influence, specifically using the Jeffrey Epstein case as a case study. It raises the question of how far individuals are willing to go for power and a luxurious life, implying that simply attributing corruption to power is overly simplistic. The Epstein revelations suggest that power circulates in closed networks, sustained by silence and mutual benefit among elites, which points to deeper cultural issues rather than just individual moral failings.

In Norway, there is a common belief that power is exercised within professional and institutional boundaries, and that competent individuals manage it under functioning control mechanisms. This belief fosters a sense of safety and trust in the system; however, the author argues that such assumptions can overlook the systemic flaws that allow abuse to persist. The notion of Norway as a "trust society" is challenged, indicating a disconnect between societal ideals and the realities of power dynamics.

The author emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing not just the actions of powerful individuals like Epstein but also the cultural norms and systems that enable such behaviors. By questioning how power operates, the article calls for a deeper understanding and vigilance regarding the structures that govern society and perpetuate silence and complicity among individuals and institutions involved in maintaining the status quo.