Power

 Measure of man is what he does with power - Plato 

Quite true. Anyone can be humble, kind and generous when they don’t have power be it political, financial or personal. They help you when you are in trouble, they take out time to meet you and offer their shoulder to cry. But haven’t you seen them changing their behaviour once they have money or power? We have all been there. They suddenly don’t have time to meet and ignore you or worse, patronize you. Their concerns towards you are perfunctory and their actions even more. 

How many politicians world has seen who promised to bring in true democracy, equality, a better life for the people and creating hope just for winning the elections. What happens once they have the political power to do all that? They try to crush any opposition, create a fear psychosis and forget about their promises. In fact many of them turn into dictators. I won’t name anyone but I think each one of us can recall at least a couple of such leaders. 

In our personal and professional life, don’t we misuse the power given to us either by designation or by social hierarchy? Women have been subjugated and exploited for centuries because men had the brute power with them. So men created systems where women were considered inferior, denied education and were forced to obey the men. They even had to fight for right to vote. All this while they were mentally and emotionally stronger than men. 

Haven’t we faced a manipulative, coercive , corrupt or incompetent manager who makes our life miserable at workplace? My doctor had to recommend stress leave for me once because my toxic manager’s nastiness started affecting me physically. I am sure many of you can relate to that. 

My dad used to say if you really want to know a person see how they behave with their servants or anyone inferior to them. See if they are kind to them or treat them badly. 

Have you been through any horrific experience by a person in power? How did you cope with it?

Be kind and respectful. 

So be it !!!