Power is alluring to the common man.
The idea of having control and authority over others can be highly seductive.
Mold, shape, and shift circumstances to your preference. It’s like Burger King—you get to have it your way.
But, is that what it really is?
Or, is that just an illusion?
From my observations, there are two dominant perspectives one can have on Power.
One is that it’s a GIFT: it’s something that’s earned, and with it comes a feeling of entitlement. “This is MINE. I DESERVE this. You must OBEY.”
This viewpoint leads one to believe power is finite and that others are a threat. To maintain power, others must be torn down and destroyed. If an individual with this attitude holds a position of authority, they’re usually tyrannical; often trying to exploit others for personal gain.
This is a worldview rooted in insecurity.
The second is that Power is a RESPONSIBILITY: it’s something that demands selflessness and comes with it a BURDEN of SERVICE. “What’s Hard for them yet Easy for me? How can I HELP? What do THEY need? How can I INSPIRE?”
This viewpoint in its mature state gives a man an awareness of his Complete, Divine Potential. It creates within him a sense of discipline, decisiveness, and integrity. This person is confident, cool, calm, collected, and centered in their purpose. They’re always doing the right things, at the right time, for the right reasons.
This person feels accountable for not just his own life experience, but also for those that trust and look up to him. Being in this position of service, he feels it his duty to protect others, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. He provides order, shields people from negative influences, and inspires creativity in them.
A sensible man would never desire power because a sensible man realizes the load that comes with it.
The only way this type of man comes to power is by way of receiving it, never trying to take it. They’ll only accept after realizing no other choice but to Lead—the people always need a leader, and the world is always short on Good leaders.
By placing the well-being of all above the well-being of self alone, the sensible man keeps egocentricity in check, grows, and lasts longer.
By being selfless, he enhances himself.
This paradox is the secret to how he grows in power.
“Power is dangerous. It corrupts the best and attracts the worst. Power is only given to those who are prepared to lower themselves to pick it up.” — Ragnar Lothbrok