Noblesse oblige emerges (with time): Power enhances intergenerational beneficence

• The experience of power in intergenerational decisions evokes social responsibility.
• Social responsibility leads to generosity to future others.
• Consequently, power enhances intergenerational beneficence.
• The mediator is responsibility to look out for others’ long term interests.

Across four experiments, we examine how the experience of power affects intergenerational decision-making. We argue, and empirically demonstrate, that the experience of power enhances intergenerational beneficence. This effect emerges because the experience of power in intergenerational dilemmas prompts a sense of social responsibility among powerholders. In particular, the experience of power in intergenerational contexts leads people to feel an obligation to look out for the long-term interests of others, which in turn enhances generosity to future others. Thus, the positive effect of power on intergenerational beneficence is mediated by a sense of responsibility to look after others’ long-term interests.