printable version PDF version

Illusions of Power
by cleaves Sunday, Jan 16 2005, 7:16am
international / social/political / opinion/analysis

Power is process not object or thing – it manifests solely in relation to something – it is a relative social dynamic constantly renewed as process. This process is simply the surrender of self-determination to the determination of another. This ‘other’ then (temporarily) becomes endowed in direct proportion to the number of people who have surrendered their sovereignty.

Modern society is familiar with the expressions 'power elite', 'institutions of power', 'people power', 'powers that be', and so on. Power in society is taken to be a type of object or thing that some possess and others do not. The notion that power is possessed or owned occupies a level below the conscious mind. At that level of unconsciousness things are taken for granted or as givens they appear as 'natural’. We often hear, 'that’s the way of the world, its always been that way', and one of the most loaded phrases, the 'natural order of things'.

A cursory analysis would reveal that no person has ever possessed power (in the social context) or ever will. Imagine if you will, the most powerful person you can think of – living or dead – then transport them to a desert island, alone! They are now unable to exercise power – alone they are nothing. Power is process not object or thing – it manifests solely in relation to something – it is a relative social dynamic constantly renewed as process. This process is simply the surrender of self-determination to the determination of another. This ‘other’ then (temporarily) becomes endowed in direct proportion to the number of people who have surrendered their sovereignty.

In large ‘organised’ societies the greater proportion of the population serve a ruling elite, historically, monarchs and/or priests. These ‘elites’ inscribe/formulate rules to which the masses consciously or unconsciously sub-scribe. Today, monarchies have been replaced by Governments that are supported by legal and (indirectly) religious institutions.

The foundation of any large society is a set of beliefs to which the population consciously or unconsciously sub-scribes. These shared beliefs either free us or enslave us, for example, we are often told we live in a free society – it’s a lie! An analysis would reveal that today we are no freer, in relative terms, than the slaves of ancient societies. Credit cards, electronic pagers, constant debt to financial institutions etc., have replaced the chains, whips and other tools of ancient slavery. Your slave status is confirmed by performing a simple calculation of remuneration; you will find that your work-time is valued less than those to whom you/society attribute greater social value or importance. Social disparities exist because we support by subscription the inequality of the society in which we live. Those who maintain the sewer system perform no lesser task than bank managers or optometrists, in fact it could be argued that sewer workers perform a more important task than most 'professionals'.

While existing power dynamics would seem to be robust and unassailable, the contrary is actually the case. The power dynamic is tenuous to the extreme and could shift at any moment. The usual scenario is another group or individual attracting the subscription of the masses – thereby nullifying the previous endowment. History is replete with these occurrences. The one historical constant is the masses surrendering their sovereignty – they have always surrendered their fate to others. As a result social inequality is considered normal or 'natural'.

In order to achieve social equality and harmony, it would seem obvious that we should never surrender or support (by subscription) any ruling body that favours inequity. It is worth remembering that the greatest religious teaches all advocated that we serve each other as ONE equal, unified group. Anyone who would divide and assume a superior position is serving their own interests not those of the group.

Trust your instincts at all times; the same intelligence that enables birds to fly, also guides all living things. It works in us to help with every aspect of our lives. People instinctively resonate to Love, Peace and Harmony; those who preach division or violence for whatever reason are liars and thieves. We nullify these types by simply withdrawing our support in every way possible; those who would take self-seeking advantage are thereby reduced to insignificance.

We are ONE