~58th Dance~

[donttelldaddy]

What is power, exactly? We tend to think of it as something that bad people seize, but really, it's just given to us by others. Given to us by those who elect us, or those who willfully obey us because we just happen to be older, or our weaker-minded peers that allow themselves to be coerced or conquered. It's the same everywhere for everyone. Those with power have had it given to them.

And yet, it seems that every day, those in power grow less and less competent, does it not? Ineptitude is rampant on every level, from political leaders, to the teachers in our schools. Why don't people contest that more often? Because they're in charge, and we fear retribution? Well, here's a secret: they're only in charge because we believe that they are in charge. If you don't allow anyone to tell you what to do, they're not telling you what to do anymore, they're merely making a suggestion. Reassigning power isn't a difficult thing, really.

Just food for thought~

Comments

[mist-illusions.livejournal.com]

If only more people thought like you. But sadly, most of them are completely content to accept incompetence in their leaders because they're afraid of being in control of their own lives.

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

I'm flattered.

Oh, but didn't you know, it's so much safer to have others make your decisions for you!

[mist-illusions.livejournal.com]

Heaven forbid you ever have to think for yourself. And then, of course, if the decision turns out badly, you have someone to blame! But only blame, never get rid of. That would just be silly.

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

That would be absolutely ridiculous, how dare you suggest it?

Sometimes, I honestly can't figure out how people manage to feed themselves despite their dependence.

[mist-illusions.livejournal.com]

It's a mystery to me as well. It's one thing to choose to accept someone's authority for a time because it's the smartest thing to do, but something else entirely to be so blind you can't even see that you can choose to walk away at any time.

*in spite of, I know how words go

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

Precisely. I'm glad that somebody agrees, rather than spouting idealistic nonsense.

words are hard

[mist-illusions.livejournal.com]

It is rather refreshing to hear this sort of thing. Idealism is cute, but it does get old.

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

It's idealistic in its own way. You're free, as long as you believe yourself to be, sounds like wishful thinking to a lot of people.

[mist-illusions.livejournal.com]

That's only because they don't really want to be free. It's easier to disregard it as wishful thinking than it is to face the fact that they've chosen to submit to someone else's will.

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

You're right about that, too.