> Yes, but he's profoundly mentally ill.

But how much of that is because of his situation? Is it possible to remain what we would consider a sane, well-adjusted individual given prolonged exposure to that situation?

Are dictators or the kings of ages past with absolute or close to absolute power any saner?

> Not a life you would wish for yourself.

Yes, as I said, not something I would want for myself, at least in my current mindset. But if I was in that situation for more than a few months, I'm not sure what or who I would be after that time.