First, you may be able to avoid anyone getting the power. When Eliezer decided against insulting the reporter, he did not leave the position open for someone else. When Washington was offered the crown, not only did refusing it not result in it going to someone else, accepting would have (eventually).
Second, it’s possible that you can do more good while neither corrupt nor in power then you could if you are corrupt and in power.
Two reasons occur to me:
First, you may be able to avoid anyone getting the power. When Eliezer decided against insulting the reporter, he did not leave the position open for someone else. When Washington was offered the crown, not only did refusing it not result in it going to someone else, accepting would have (eventually).
Second, it’s possible that you can do more good while neither corrupt nor in power then you could if you are corrupt and in power.