Power hungry

A journal entry of mine. I sometimes think I should pool all of my quips that I paste on the internet and bring them here. I so often want to return to them only to find them scattered to the winds.

I was having a conversation last night about dominance -- whether it is more attractive to rule the night as a rock star or to seethe with reserved power in the vein of Hannibal Lecter (minus the taxing dietary ritual... maybe.... chomp).

On the one hand, you can show overt power, screaming to horny fans, spending your free time "rehabilitating" for the next show (and Turbulence is your name). On the other hand, you are cool and reserved, unassuming but powerful (and so you are Laminar).

Let us assume that those attracted to power want real power. That, in fact, they do not counsciously dupe themselves. And let us set aside the whole problem of corruptive power. It is very hard to see beyond what your senses tell you, and so I would assume the glamour of the rock star to be more attractive--at least at first. (Let me add some "rock stars" have obviously transcended their fame and girded themselves with substance). After all, many (most?) rock stars do not dress themselves. They do not plan their venues. The do not even write their own songs. They are creations of people in another sort of power.

As for me, I enjoy being a positive influence with a dark, sharp edge. I get a rush out of control. But I've spent time on the "bottom", biding time and building strength. Eventually I felt I could do... better. "Give me those reins. Give me that crop." But being a subservient turned god, I feel compassion -- a shepherd? If I am in control, it is not for control's sake, but to deliver the right caress, the right pain, to make someone who trusts you feel great about themselves. Defend that soul against those who would brutalize their esteem. Maybe one day you will find yourself under their heel, and you will want them to step lightly (but not too lightly).

Power lies in self esteem. The ability to produce value. And to get there, you must be honest with your shortcomings. Forget those masks, they are doomed to come off one day -- humble yourself. Find those imperfections and chip away at them, or hell, counterpoint them -- there is so much delicious marble to work with. This is how a masterpiece is made. Sure, you still give control to those you trust (how else can you learn), but you always have the power to take it back. True power requires identifying fake power. True power allows us to spin gold from straw

....chomp...