“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power,” so declared Lao Tzu. To Bruce Lee, “Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” Let’s reflect on power as an instrument of growth or destruction.
Do you know that what you make out of life depends on how you deplore the power you have? Are you aware that you can be powerlessly powerful or powerfully powerless? The point is that sometimes one acts positively to liberate self but at other times, one acts ignorantly to enslave self. As often said, knowledge is power. However, the nature of the knowledge is key in determing the outcome of the power it confers. Robert Heinlein put it this way: “Never underestimate the power of human stupidity.” Edmund Burke captured it differently: “The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.” And John Dalberg-Acton added, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The implication is that your life can either flourish through the power of your knowledge or perish through the power of your ignorance.
So, explore ways to clearly understand how powerful you are. Recognize how to effectively deplore your power to achieve your desired outcome. Learn to distinguish between humility and mindset of powerlessness. While the former makes you powerful, the latter makes you “powerfool”. The latter manifests in Alice Walker’s statement: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” Such perception can generate a victim’s mentality whereas the truly humble possess the empowered mindset. Don’t confuse courage with power-drunkenness. While the former is a virtue and builds, the later is a vice and destroys. If you’re desiring to be powerful, Sojourner Truth reminded: “Truth is powerful and it prevails.”
As you step out, don’t forget Paul Harris’ note: “Personality has power to uplift, power to depress, power to curse and power to bless.” So utilize any power you have appropriately to make yourself full rather than a fool. Always remember, as Edward Abbey said, “Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best.”
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Dr. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a chemical engineer, an HSE professional, a public affairs analyst, marriage counsellor, youth mentor and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He works for an international oil company and can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only).
