Harini Kannan Week 9 - Simply Power ft. Star Wars
Simply Power ft. Star Wars
Why do we humans crave power? Is it simply the need for control, or is it something deeper inside of us? Is it like some innate programming we can’t escape? I’ve reflected on this question many times, so this blog’s purpose is to help me articulate my thoughts.
There is something so very alluring about power, particularly in feeling in control of our lives, our choices, and the world around us. But what makes it so irresistible, even when we know how easily it can corrupt us?
Perhaps it is the fact that power gives us the ability to choose. When we hold power, we feel seen (finally!). We feel that our voices matter and make a difference. And this is true. The simple definition of power in this context is “the possession of control, authority, or influence over others,” according to Merriam-Webster, at least.
But, as we have seen time and time again, power is not always as liberating as it seems. The more we chase after it, the more we risk losing ourselves to the “dark side” (yes, I’m going there). From a fictional standpoint, take Anakin Skywalker. His desire for power was (at least originally) not rooted in malice but in love. He wanted to protect those he cared about, like his mother and Padmé. Yet, in pursuit of that power, he went down a dangerous path. He was consumed, ultimately losing everything he originally sought to protect.
This doesn’t just happen in fictional worlds. This is reality. Political leaders, business executives, and even ordinary people can get caught up in the promise of control. Many begin with seemingly noble intentions, claiming they want to make a positive impact (don’t they all?). But power changes them. Joseph Stalin, for instance, rose to power with promises of revolution and equality but became known for his brutal and oppressive regime that killed millions. He is just one example of how the quest for power can often distort the very ideals that once drove us.
Like I said before, the more we chase power, the more we risk encountering its darker sides: manipulation, arrogance, and the fear of losing it all. The challenge isn’t just gaining power, but using it wisely. The latter is often significantly more difficult. In my opinion, true power lies in knowing when to let go and accept what we can’t control. Only then can we find true peace in our lives.
Hey Harini, your thoughts about power are very interesting to read. I would say that I agree with you about people always seeking power. I have asked the same questions you started your blog off with. Personally, I think I seek power to achieve my goals, or at least I think that power will help me achieve them easier. I also love how you related it to Star Wars. This classic really set the skeleton of how so many of us view types of good and bad powers in the world. I believe that power itself is not a bad thing. There are people who seek power to affect others, or control them, or hurt them. But power could be used for good like to uplift people around you. And I would have to say that your take that power is actually seen when you are able to draw lines and control your own will.
ReplyDeleteHi Harini! Your take on what craves power is really thought-provoking, since my blog also discusses a similar idea of having the ability to choose. I like the way you referenced Star Wars and then tied it back into real life, well done! But I think the main problem with power is that society associates it with things like success, wealth, and happiness which is why it’s unintentionally abused so often. People don’t know that they’ve gone too far into something until it’s too late, or assume that what they’re doing is good until the damage has been done. And like you mentioned, Stalin and other controversial political figures are examples of this. But even though society as a whole will never be at peace, at least we as individuals can make a difference in our own lives and in the people around us.
ReplyDeleteHi Harini,
ReplyDeleteYour perception on power make a compelling and interesting read, especially with how you dive deep into the psychological and philosophical aspects of why humans crave power while utilizing fictional and historical examples to strengthen you argument.
I like how you acknowledge that power isn't inherently bad, it's the way that it's wielded that determines its impact. Your discussion of how power giving people a sense of control and validation is insightful. History has also shown that many who seek power with good intentions eventually, perhaps even inevitably, become consumed by it, making your conclusion-that true power is knowing when to let go-especially powerful.