What does Gulliver ultimately realize about power through his experiences?

Gulliver's realization about power, particularly through his experiences in Lilliput and Brobdingnag, highlights its potential to corrupt those who wield it. His interactions with both the diminutive Lilliputians and the gigantic Brobdingnagians showcase how power dynamics can lead to moral and ethical degradation. In Lilliput, the constant political maneuvering and petty conflicts among the leaders illustrate how the desire for power can divert individuals from expressing true virtues and wisdom. Conversely, in Brobdingnag, the king's disdain for Gulliver's homeland's obsession with power offers a stark contrast, highlighting how authority can distort the fabric of society and the individual.

Through these experiences, Gulliver comes to understand that power is not merely an asset to be acquired but a force that can foster greed, selfishness, and corruption, ultimately distancing leaders from the welfare of those they govern. This critical insight serves as a reflection on the broader implications of ambition and authority, revealing a fundamental truth about human nature and societal structures.