It's not just about having the power...

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by alatar

The other thought that comes to mind regarding Boromir and the Ring, is that no one, even if initially he/she intends it, would ever beat this sword into a plowshare when the war was won. With Sauron thrown down, Dark Lord Boromir would have sought more enemies.

Indeed. Even if all the enemies of Gondor were subdued (Mordor, the Southrons, the Easterlings), Boromir may as well have started a ruthless hunt for the "traitors on his own side", and this is exactly what I think the Ring is all about. The most powerful moment of all is when the one who has the power gives it away, and that's exactly what's been so great about Bilbo's giving the Ring away willingly, or Sam, although in both cases it was in a quite "minor" circumstances, as they were little folk. Maybe this was the reason for them to "be chosen" to bear the Ring in the first place? And again, this feat was exactly what Isildur could not do, even though he won over Sauron.