Encounters with Power

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“There is an elusiveness about power that endows it

with an almost ghostly quality.  It is as abstract as

time, yet as real as a firing squad.”

Herbert Kaufman, The Mystery of Power, 1954

Endless difficulties are encountered when looking at the notion of power. Queries go unanswered. Conclusions are drawn all to quickly. Those in power become, in most cases, nothing more than footnotes in history, however there are exceptions, these are the exceptional ones. These individuals are looked at closer, examined and studied, and yes, used as patterns for those in power today. Comparisons are made, and wished for by a public wanting the goodness and forthrightness of great leaders from the past. Present day constraints are carried on the shoulders of those emulating others before them. History has a way of whiting out flaws in great leaders. This is not the case for present day leaders. Make a mistake and the cameras are on you. You’re page one material whether you want it or not.

Clearly power has a way of defining itself in the moment. It can be good and it can be bad. It is undiscriminating. It’s as ancient as Adam and Eve, yet as contemporary as modern man. Power is an instinct for superiority, a sixth sense used to get the job done. It has helped man progress and been there when man has regressed.

Hebrew legend tells the story of Adam’s first wife, Lilith. She was created by God at the same time as Adam, and, made from the same dust. Legend says Adam commanded Lilith to obey him, she refused, saying she was his equal because she was made from the same dust, and, at the same time as Adam. When Adam heard this he asked God to make the woman obey him. God commanded Lilith to obey three times. When she refused, God cast her into Hell where she became the mother of demons.

God then took one of Adam’s ribs and made Eve, telling her since she was made from a part of Adam, she owed him allegiance and obedience forever. Perhaps this was the first power relationship.