I do not view the search for individual power, including through supernatural means (a topic I will clarify and expand on), as necessarily maleficent. Historically and psychologically, it is a fundamental human trait to evaluate, adopt, or avoid an idea based upon whether it builds or depletes our sense of personal agency.

Not necessarily maleficent but most likely maleficent. An addictive self-destructive poison. It is a fundamental human trait, a vice to be avoided, a predilection to be battled.

Actually it is not the search for individual power that is really the vice it is the vices that flow from having attained power.

Greed, pride, gluttony.

Can you have great individual power without being greedy, proud and gluttonous?

TEK