The quest to know ourselves lies at the heart of human existence. I’ve written previously about how cultural norms and routines serve as anchors, helping us define who “we” are. These shared frameworks offer us a foundation from which we can pursue self-actualization, channeling our existential uncertainties into more meaningful, individual pursuits. Through these structures, we transform the mystery of our unknowable selves into identities that give us purpose. And in this transformation, we discover what humanity has always sought: power.
Our magnetic attraction to power becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of our existential uncertainty. In a world where our very sense of self remains enigmatic and fluid, we desperately seek something tangible, something we can grasp and communicate. This pursuit of a stable identity requires fuel, and that fuel is power.
Think of power as the essential lubricant in our machinery of security. It serves both as the destination and the journey itself. Whether objective or subjective, actual or perceived, we chase power’s many forms to fill the endless void of self-knowledge. While power cannot completely dissolve the uncertainty of existence, it offers a peculiar comfort – a temporary respite from the constant tide of uncertainty that washes over us all. It becomes our shield against the relentless assault of existential anxiety.
Yet power operates in a curious loop: to gain it, you must already possess it. Like a seed that needs water to grow, but needs to grow to reach the water, power demands power for its own acquisition. While not necessarily a zero-sum game between individuals or organizations, those who hold power rarely surrender it willingly. The rise of another’s influence often appears as a threat to one’s own security, creating a cycle where power becomes both the key and the lock.
The tragedy lies in power’s inability to fully satisfy our deepest yearnings. No amount can completely bridge the chasm of our existential uncertainty. Yet power remains one of our most effective tools for temporary relief, making our zealous pursuit of it somewhat rational, even as it leaves us perpetually hungry for more.
This isn’t to suggest we should abandon our quests for power. It serves its purpose, offering tangible benefits and real security. However, we must remain vigilant against its all-consuming nature, conscious of its ability to dominate our lives while never fully satisfying our core needs.
Moving forward, my writing will explore power in its many dimensions – personal, professional, and organizational. I’ll examine how it shapes our culture, influences our behaviors, and drives our decisions. My hope is to illuminate the nature of our world and its inhabitants as I understand them, offering insights you can translate into meaningful gains, whether social, cultural, or financial.
Join me as we explore this fascinating terrain together.
Photographer and cULTURE VULTure 
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