Be Ware the Trappings of Power: Be Aware the Blessings of Empowerment
Posted: Saturday, August 22, 2009
by Ralph P. Brown
Mirrored Windows
There are many thoughts and ideas about power - what it takes to get power, to hold power and to stay in power. There are also thoughts and ideas about empowerment but these seem to run a close second to the beliefs about power.
Some might argue they are the same thing, or that they are so closely related as to negate discussion. But there is a difference. It is important that you know this before going in search of one, perhaps at the expense of the other.
- Powerful people have status, position, big money, big cars, big houses; the world power known as the nuclear power have bigger armies and more bombs. All of these are external. The problem with this is that these external things may be temporary and can be lost.
- Empowered people on the other hand, have strength of character, self-awareness, moral fortitude, a keen sense of right and wrong, discipline, knowledge of who they are and where they are going. All of this is internal and is lasting. It can't be taken away or lost.
I am not saying that you should not pursue the good job, money, cars, homes, and so on. I am saying that if you do this with the idea that it will cast you into the mix of powerful people and make you powerful as a result, that you may want to see this idea held to the light. Before pursuing any goal it is wise to look at the merit of such a goal and decide whether it is worth pursuing. Knowledge is power!
But wait! Doesn't knowledge come to us from outside sources?
Yes, but the wisdom to use that knowledge in a way that ensures you receive the optimum benefit comes from within.
This is empowerment.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, " The good news is that the moment you decide what you know is more important than what you have been taught to believe, you will have shifted gears in your quest for abundance. Success comes from within, not from without ."
Empowerment to the people!
In Spirit,
Ralph P. Brown
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)You are right Ralph! "Before pursuing any goal it is wise to look at the merit of such a goal and decide whether it is worth pursuing." When students consider career choices, the first thing they ask is how much does it pay? I explain it isn't all about the money or power, it's about how you feel about the work you've done at the end of the day.Who have you helped? What have you accomplished? That's empowerment.
Great thoughts, thank you!
Great stuff!
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