OBSERVANCE OF POWER I
2008 — The first ever movie of MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) was released, and it was "Iron Man". The very moment I had a glimpse of the latter amazed the heck out of me. Robert Downey Jr. made the icon "Tony Stark" the coolest character ever. Since then, I have binge-watched all the movies until the last part which was "The Avengers End Game". This last movie of Avenger's trilogy tickled my fascination about villains, If Tony Stark gained the reputation of "coolest character"; Thanos would be his biggest rival for that title. The way Thanos portrayed the "mad man" will inarguably change one's perception of the antagonists. A quick context...
Thanos was the arch-nemesis of the Avengers. For instance, the latter is named "Earth's mightiest heroes". They deter all the alien invasions and preclude the domination of evils. Thanos only has one purpose— to wipe the half of the population. To make that contingent, he needed to muster 6 infinity stones, attaching it to his gauntlet. Throughout the movie (Avengers: Infinity War), he obliterates anyone who dares to encumber him from acquiring the stones. When he completed it all, he would snap his fingers and half of the universe's life would go extinct. He even sacrificed his daughter in exchange for the "soul stone".
INTERPRETATION
As the villain wields the gauntlet with the 6 gemstones attached to it, he becomes indomitable— flicking enormous enemies that clutter his way. A snap was like a plague; turning anyone into dark ashes. Even remarkable heroes were not spared. Thanos' power was unrivaled, however, it was not absolute. When he snapped his fingers, the gauntlet collapsed; emasculating his right arm. The Avengers rummaged all the planets in the universe to find him and inflict retaliation. As they found Thanos, Thor ( the God of Thunder ) didn't contain his anger— he pulled out his storm breaker and decapitated the madman. Avengers then asked Thanos, "Where are the stones?". The madman responded, "I destroyed the stones, using the stones". In this case, it only means, the most powerful gems could only be decimated by itself. As Thanos grasps the grandeur and potency brought by infinity stones, it costs him destructive repercussions. Power is a double-edged sword, you can never avert from being lacerated by it— unless you are sufficiently deft to handle it.
OBSERVANCE OF POWER II
2014— a phenomenal year. We left my hometown (Nueva Ecija) to seek medical assistance for my late Lola; she was suffering from Diabetes back then. At a very young age, I had to leave the things I was accustomed to doing. Activities, whereabouts, and habits that were ingrained in my childhood had to be erased. From Elementary School in our Barangay, I had to transfer to Ipag Elementary School in Bataan. The feeling was like a fish being dropped inside an aquarium— from a free and vast oceanic environment to a constricted, unfamiliar, and artificial dwelling.
Short, brown-skinned, skinny, and on the verge of malnourishment was the "description" I procured from our neighbors. I did not take it too earnestly, because I was still a kid back then— indifferent about insolence and enmity. Fast forward to the exact moment I set foot in a classroom. Devoured by timidity, nervousness, and self-consciousness (because other students were glaring at me); my teacher asked me to introduce myself and luckily despite those impediments mentioned, I survived. The next day, everything was going subtle, I made some friends and conversed with them about school norms. However, I remembered that studying in that institution was not a utopia. I was then subjected to bullying due to my appearance.
During that time, what I kept in mind was the "power of blending". An example is an octopus, it uses its ability to change pigments whenever there is a threat or a blessing. Its power is pliable, it becomes a protection when adversity arises but it could turn into a deadly weapon when the octopus targets its prey. Another is the "camouflage technique" utilized by Chameleon. They are the masters of furtive hunting, they creep behind the enemy being barely noticed— until one slingshot of its tongue, even the king of ambush (praying mantis) could be gunned down. This was the exact strategy I devised to surmount palpable bullying in the classroom. Perhaps if you cannot beat them, blend and strike them unnoticed.
INTERPRETATION
To resist someone more influential than you is a blatant suicide. You can never climb a mountain without preparation, whereas, if you are stubborn enough; you could suffer leg stiffness in the middle of the latter's steepness. So you might be compelled to set aside your ego and train— endure for it could only last for a short time. Take for example a spy. Equipped with stealth, indomitable swiftness, and a sharp mind. He intrudes into his subject's domain and leaves unscathed. His secret? he regulates his power because he knows, that if he plays the reckless big man; it could be the commencement of his demise. In my experience, I proselytize time to be on my side. Timing is everything, when I had the chance to berate those bullies— I made sure that they would cease to victimize others. I reported them to the principal's office.
WHAT IS POWER?
Like every other terminology out there, its definition varies— depending upon what lenses of discipline are used. In this section, I will be scrutinizing its very definition under the scope of these four disciplines: Physics, Health-Related matters, Politics, and Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power book.
We all know that Physics has a very well-established reputation in this matter. Given this fact, Power in physics implies "the rate at which work is done". In simple terms, it signifies how quickly energy is transferred or transformed (Khan Academy).
Power in Health-Related matters suggests that "a muscle can exert energy in a burst within a short period". The best example of this is the Long Jump. Athletes stand in a firm position, accumulating energy and unleashing power through jumps.
In Politics, I believe this discipline has used the term "power" numerous times; establishing a plausible reputation when it comes to providing the latter's definition. Frankly, it means "the ability to influence a person or group of individuals". It could also mean the capacity to command and make others abide by the authority's or states' woven rules.
Finally, for Robert Greene— power is the ability to be vicious, cunning, alert, and seductive. It is about being cautious of your environment, turning adversity into harmony, and procuring all the possible means to stay on top. If it connotes using others as means, so be it. As he argues '' those who are timid, will be trampled by the powerful'' ( LAW 27: Enter Action with Boldness).
48 LAWS OF POWER: What is it all about?
This book is impeccably written. The way the author exemplifies eccentric but significant points will surely leave readers in awe. This book is suitable for those who seek power, want to maintain power and protect themselves from the unjust use of power. It insinuates the deft steps on how to build your invincible fortress, against ruthless intruders. Consume knowledge from this book and you will be infallible.
Important Caution:
Note that not all the laws are applicable in real life. Take only those beneficial to you. Reading this book requires deep understanding and consideration, or else— its effectiveness will wane.
FIVE INSIGHTFUL LESSONS DERIVED FROM THE BOOK
1.) KEEP A LOW PROFILE AND NEVER DISCLOSE YOUR TACTICS TO ANYONE
Applicable laws:
Law 17: Keep Others in Suspended Terror
Law 46: Never appear too Perfect
Most of the time, when we, abruptly by fortune or perseverance attain our aspirations; we feel a sense of pride and notoriety. Well, there is nothing wrong with being proud of our accomplishments but being "too proud" could lead to immense arrogance. In our generation, no matter how many times you preach about positivity, good vibes, and moral support— there is always a person who, at all costs, would disdain you for achieving such great feats. Bragging drastically about your accomplishment will never win you allies, ironically, it could encourage foes to loathe you. Being too proud to the extent that you are doing it "boastfully" could fuel others' ravenous envy. Sooner or later, they will conspire against you.
On the other hand, keep your secrets to yourself. What I mean about a secret is that never share the same strategies you devise that paved way for your victory with anyone. Keep them speculating, for their curiosity will leave them in palpable paranoia
2.) BE LIKE WATER
Applicable laws:
Law 48: Assume Formlessness
Law 44: Disarm and Infuriate with the Mirror Effect
Water, if one has to observe it, could penetrate infinitesimal holes. When you pour it into a particular vessel, it could assume its shape and form. As a human beings, we are gifted with the ability to adapt. Even if we are placed in the hottest surroundings, we will find a way to alleviate the temperature. For instance, if we were situated in a cold region, we would devise things that could heat us. The ability to adapt in precarious situations is distinct to humans. As the smartest animal (homo sapiens), we ought not to only master one skill set, but multifarious of it. When you find yourself struggling because you are either fettered by your vehement foes or simply you are lost in your enemy's realm, remember that your innate capacity to adapt should be activated.
In other cases, if adaptability does not work, then harness the so-called "mirror effect". The latter, for Robert Greene, means doing exactly what your enemies do. People enjoy harming others, but if the same harm is done unto them— they get pestered. Continue this strategy until your foes get exactly what they deserve. As Karma suggests "What did will eventually come back to bite you". However, in this case, you will refuse to let destiny inflict retaliation— instead, you should take the wheel and become the Karma yourself.
3.) OUTSHINE ANYONE BUT BE CAUTIOUS OF WHO YOU MESS WITH
Applicable Laws:
Law 1: Never outshine the Master
Law 19: Know who you are dealing with — Do not offend the wrong person
Law 30: Make your Accomplishments seem Effortless
When you are just a person with little or no experience, but you attest to yourself that you could absorb knowledge in a very short time, in other words, you are a "fast learner". It is a subtle advantage in a realm of power, however, be cautious about your abilities. Throughout history, there was a myriad of prodigies, youngsters who seemed to grasp a bright fate but these radiant futures turned somber. For example in a corporate domain, let us say you are a trainee you would never dare to outshine your leader— if you do, knowing that leader has a huge infallible ego, he would despise you. The worst case is that he could terminate your position in the job— causing you to lose your income source.
Our society today posits unbounded dangers, power lies within those people who are aware of their surroundings. When you socialize, remember that not all people are worthy of your "trust". Trust is the currency of a real connection or relationship. One should remember to never mess with the wrong person. There are types of people who disregard civilization, they live in extreme quaintness, to the point that if you happen to disturb them— they will mar your personhood and reputation. Avoid them at all costs.
One fact about our society is, that it does not only pose dangers but the competition is becoming more and more atrocious. In everything that you do, be the best at it. Train, train more, and train harder until no one dares to match your competencies. Be irreplaceable, remember that there is power in uniqueness.
4.) DISAPPEAR BUT NEVER TOO LONG, AVOID ISOLATION
Applicable Laws:
Law 11: Learn to keep people Dependent on you
Law 16: Use absence to increase respect and Honor
Constant presence means becoming too common. Being too available to everyone diminishes their respect for you, and being able to lend a hand incessantly creates a pattern of intolerance. Constant exposure leads to burnout..... What if you disappear apparently and take a break? The result will surely leave you astonished. Withdrawing your presence is a good tactic to make them long for you, perhaps it works in seemingly dying relationships. Throughout history, during the prosperity of the Western World. Whenever Kings and Queens stumble on love-related quarrels, one of them will be distant. After weeks or months, one of them admits that he/she is longing for her/his partner's warm embrace.
The royal who misses his/her partner will send telegrams containing how much he/she wants his/her partner to fix their relationship. As they decide to rebuild their love, it asserts the saying "love is sweeter the second time around". For instance, the notion of David Ricardo, a notable person in Economics who fabricated the term "law of diminishing marginal utility"— argues "The more you consume a product, the less satisfied you are." I would simplify the latter through this metaphor— the company of the sun will be greatly realized when it has been raining for months.
Upon your disappearance, never isolate. Isolation could be beneficial but only for a short while. It could alleviate overwhelming emotions, and it could allow you to take a breather. Nevertheless, if you isolate for a long time, you will miss too many events in your domain. The point here is to be updated, for awareness commensurate to power.
5.) BE CONFIDENT BUT KNOW WHEN TO STOP
Applicable Laws:
Law 28: Enter Action with Boldness
Law 47: Do not go Past the mark you Aimed For.
Robert Greene emphasized the difference between confidence and timidity. Confidence unleashes your inner Julius Caesar, who fearlessly conquers everything. But if timidity takes over, you will spend your whole life doubting. Being timid is like being trapped in a hole of torment— it burns aspirations, potentials, and chances finely as ashes. Always speak with conviction, because people abominate infirm postures and stammering utterances. Use confidence to clutch your goals, aim for it like a marksman endowed with flawless precision— work on it despite impediments. As Robert Greene put it "If you want to be treated like a king, believe and act like one".
"Everything is belief-driven" -James Kwik
But remember, in pursuit of goals you must learn how to desist. Sometimes when we attain our end goal, we find ourselves craving for more. Whereas, this constant craving is the threshold to suffering. According to the doctrines of Buddha, "Trishna" or craving is the root cause of someone's upheaval. Learn when to cease or take a break upon seeking objectives. Master the art of conserving energy, so that you can use it later on. Power is scarce, be wise.
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