Power-centred Interaction

Basics

Prosperity exists within a power-impregnated environment because:

  • wealth gives power
  • wealth uses power
  • wealth attracts power.

But we must not forget that:

  • power creates wealth
  • power uses wealth
  • power attracts wealth.

So coming to terms with power-centredness (if that is you) and the personal use of power by yourself and others (if you are not primarily power-centred) is a critical aspect of emotional maturation and intrinsic to strength of character.

  • Make superiors feel superior and comfortable
  • Use flattery
  • Make and use enemies
  • Keep friends dependent
  • Crush key opponents totally in body, mind and spirit
  • Use vagueness
  • Mystify, obscure, confuse
  • Attract attention
  • Avoid isolation
  • Take credit for work done by others
  • Never appeal for sympathy or expect gratitude
  • Surrender to the stronger party
  • Exploit basic human wishes, fears and weaknesses
  • Focus on appearances
  • Stay whiter than white—assign blame
  • Destroy or marginalize independent thinkers
  • Argue to win, irrespective of the validity of your position.

Power-driven individuals have their own distinctive prescription for success: they never forget Might is right! And they follow this sort of philosophy:

  • Life is a jungle
  • Get on top
  • Know the pecking order
  • Reject constraints
  • Ignore guilt and remorse
  • Never lose face
  • Refuse rational discussion
  • Ignore consequences
  • Eat, drink and be merry

Think of individuals you know who obviously exemplify the category. In doing so, remember that it is the overall pattern that counts—not any particular interaction.

ClosedLife is a jungle!

ClosedInequality rules the World!

ClosedAccumulate power in all forms: money, influence and contacts.

ClosedThere is no place for the squeamish!

ClosedGet respect!

ClosedRefuse to be sidetracked by rationality.

ClosedGratify impulses and senses immediately.

Review

  • Is this vision of life amoral or even immoral?
  • Does it strike you as somewhat anti-social?
  • Is there a danger of aggressive interactions escalating?
  • Could it result in corruption and crime, in the wrong hands?
  • Would you say it is foolish and self-destructive?

Yet power is a social reality and it has its acolytes. Most successful rulers in the historical record were power-centred, and so are politicians to this day. As indeed are many financiers.

Important! Recognize that there are many successful power-centred individuals who are sensible and adept enough to stay out of serious trouble.

Nevertheless, when power becomes the primary goal, there is always the danger of a vacuum where values should be: principles disappear, expedience rules and ends justify the means.

  • Some see benefit elsewhere: in an ordered life built on worthy and unshakeable values, which means being Cause-centred. Look there.

Originally posted: July 2009