THE ILLUSION OF POWER
When a ruler assumes authority, he usually tries to give the impression that
everything is under control and that he is making difference from his
predecessors. He misconceives the popular silence towards institutional
policies as sign of approval and satisfaction. He then goes on to establish
strong circle of elites around him to detect and to monitor threats against his
system. The absolute obedience of everyone around him and the exaggerated
compliments of his associates, increase his self esteem and self confidence.
When someone begins to question his decisions and weigh his achievements he
feels pinched. At the beginning he might try to silence dissent through
enticing tactics like money or position. If that person refuses to be enticed,
then coercion would be inevitable. If this works then the power-hungry ruler
wins the game. Once dissenting voices disappear, the sovereign feels absolute
and invincible. The treble method of coercion, persuasion and giving pledge
becomes the ideal principles in dealing with serious issues.
The unhappy sovereign finds himself obsessed with power; the submission of
everyone becomes his drug. His only gratification and fulfillment is to rule
others. The unfortunate ruler sees himself synonymous with power. To take
authority from him would mean to take his life. He will try to protect it at
any cost. Once a person enters the one-way road of ruling instead of governing,
that person will not retract. Watch out! When the virus of power infects you,
your end is imminent. Its only cure is death.
When a ruler assumes authority, he usually tries to give the impression that everything is under control and that he is making difference from his predecessors. He misconceives the popular silence towards institutional policies as sign of approval and satisfaction. He then goes on to establish strong circle of elites around him to detect and to monitor threats against his system. The absolute obedience of everyone around him and the exaggerated compliments of his associates, increase his self esteem and self confidence.
When someone begins to question his decisions and weigh his achievements he feels pinched. At the beginning he might try to silence dissent through enticing tactics like money or position. If that person refuses to be enticed, then coercion would be inevitable. If this works then the power-hungry ruler wins the game. Once dissenting voices disappear, the sovereign feels absolute and invincible. The treble method of coercion, persuasion and giving pledge becomes the ideal principles in dealing with serious issues.
The unhappy sovereign finds himself obsessed with power; the submission of everyone becomes his drug. His only gratification and fulfillment is to rule others. The unfortunate ruler sees himself synonymous with power. To take authority from him would mean to take his life. He will try to protect it at any cost. Once a person enters the one-way road of ruling instead of governing, that person will not retract. Watch out! When the virus of power infects you, your end is imminent. Its only cure is death.
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