This is my entry for the POB word of the week challenge initiated by @caluman. To find out more about this week's challenge click here.
Oftentimes power is associated with control over other elements other than one's self. So with this post, I want to explore another narrative.
"The best men I know are dangerous men."
-Jordan Peterson
Growing up I had this perception that I was inherently good. Maybe not particularly flawless but I was good and any character flaw was a result of living in a chaotic world.
Having this sort of mindset caused a lot of problems for me as I would constantly fall short of my ideals, and that was a constant struggle for me and a poor reflection of the person I thought I was.
When I wasn't in contempt of myself, I would channel this negative energy towards the world around me which was a constant reminder of how bad things were and how good I was.
Even in relationships. There were times I got in bed with people hoping to change them; hoping that my goodness would rub off on them in a good way but it ended up being very opposite.
However, the moment I came to terms with the chaotic nature of the world and my mind, things became clear to me. I could navigate my way through life with more clarity.
The idea of a dangerous man as purported by Jordan Peterson highlights and not hides the idea that within every person is the capacity to do evil. It is the notion that we are capable of evil and this realization is the only way to tame the beast in us.
"It is better to be feared than loved if you cannot be both."
-Niccolo Machiavelli
It does not just stop at knowing this yourself. People around you should know this as well. It sets healthy boundaries. There are lines people should never cross with you and you must make that crystal clear.
Also, it is important to set boundaries for yourself. To do that you need to know what you are capable of doing. This entails taking a full and honest audit of yourself. You will find things that scare and irritate but the thing is you know them at least.
"It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not."
It takes great courage to be yourself; it takes strength to go against the herd mentality that has been propagated in the world today. This comes at a high price and it takes a stupendous amount of strength not to cower under pressure.
What does this post have to do with power?
Well, I am of the opinion that true power comes from within. In order to cause a change in the material world, one must first understand and channel their inner power.
In a nutshell, being a dangerous man doesn't entail being evil but understanding one's capacity to be evil. It doesn't only impact your relationship with others but also improves your relationship with yourself. Being aware of your demons puts you in a better position to tame them.