Power Stronger Than Money

[Rav1]

We all know that money has always been one of the most desirable possessions to the human race. Especially nowadays when we are being bombarded ceaselessly by new and new "fabulous" gadgets only obtainable by means of money. That is clear. But there is something more desirable than money - the power. The power over groups, organizations, countries, the world...over everything and everyone. The complete dominance, being the first and the one. What does that greed of power stem from? What is so fascinating, so exciting in it for some people? They reject everything - the friends, the family, the morals and dignity making themselves capable of every imaginable cruelty and crime in order to get the power. Why do they do that? Is that really worth it?

[Neruo]

Money and power are build on the same concept. People by nature just want to be better then other people, they want to be in control over them. Be the alfa-male of the group. That really is all there is to it. If you think about it, it is silly since we don't need all that nonsense, but it is engraved in our brains by instinct/evolution :/

[Oneironaut Zero]

Interesting question. Well, I think it may stem from the desire to have the means to impose your will on as much as possible, without restraint - a projection of the "id," as some psychologists would call it. We live in a world of physical restraints, in relation to our conscious experience, being that; in our minds, we can "do" whatever we want. In the physical world, some may percieve us as "held back." Maybe all those power-hugry people are simply sick of feeling that way, and want this life as their playground. But, of course, not everyone who desires power uses it negatively. I would hate to think of everyone who goes about obtaining all the influence they can as corrupt, but I doubt those (minority, probably) are the type of people you're referring to, anyway. Heh.

[wombing]

But, of course, not everyone who desires power uses it negatively. I would hate to think of everyone who goes about obtaining all the influence they can as corrupt, but I doubt those (minority, probably) are the type of people you're referring to, anyway. Heh.[/b] i believe i see what you are saying onerionaut.... however, i think there are two main distinctions between those who "hold" power. the first certainly try to obtain (gain possession of) power as a means to impose their limited views and expectations and selfish desires upon others. i believe the second never actually seek (to obtain) power as a means to controlling others, but it simply happens as a result of their own personal struggle to relate positively with others. both have influence, but two very types of influence. those who seek to grasp and retain power (influence) do so in order that they may impose their will upon others (even if others suffer as a result). but the second group....they have never sought power in such a way. never desired it in the same way the others desire power. they certainly influence others, but not by means of coercion or force or threat. they simply believe that they are more happy and fulfilled than many of the people whom they meet, and so they seek to show them how to attain the same state by their mindset and resulting actions. the first group are all show and artifice and exploitation. the second group are all example and honesty and hope that one day everyone can get along in such a way that deceit and exploitation are no longer neccessary. the first seek to indoctrinate robots to command. the second hope to teach fellow siblings to accept their limitations, and seek to gain maximum satisfaction without fucking anyone else over. teach cooperation. --- again, not trying to harp on phrasing... i'm sure that you had the same general thought in mind. ---- IMO, the first group seeks power because they feel small and limited. the second group exudes influence because they know they have transcended the power mongers and liars, and have something to offer those still captive to deceit and exploitation. the first group desires power and influence as a means to gaining temporary repreive within their personal hell. the second group simply desires to be able to relate to others without threat or coercion being part of the equation. they wish everyone could be like them, because then, seemingly, they would be better of. the first never wishes anyoneto be like them, because then, there would be nobody on the shitty end of the stick. One Love

[Oneironaut Zero]

the first certainly try to obtain (gain possession of) power as a means to impose their limited views and expectations and selfish desires upon others. i believe the second never actually seek (to obtain) power as a means to controlling others, but it simply happens as a result of their own personal struggle to relate positively with others. both have influence, but two very types of influence. [/b] Very true. I see exactly what you mean.

[Rav1]

So do you think that this greed for power is inherited? I mean one has no influence to decide?

[juroara]

not many people are in that type of position of power that you speak of. a rich person doesn't really have that power. that power is like the power of a CEO and more. I think there is a reason why probably the world is owned by less than 1% of the population - becuase the majority of us DO have a limit. my sister is a huge money person, always dreamed of being rich. she picked up some articles though on what type of life the some of the richest people in the world live. and more importantly what they had to do to get there. Getting there was the problem, its just not a healthy life style. No wonder those in power are hardly the most attractive are have healthy hearts. Their life style dries them up, chews them up, and spits them back out. All pruny and fuglified!! no, most of want a social life of somekind even more than money. my sister wants kids and realized her dreams of being insanely rich didnt fit with that scenario anymore. kids? to those in power the only things kids are good for is making rugs.

[PenguinLord13]

I personally think that it is an ingrained evolutionary trait found in most species that makes people want to be the alpha male (or female). Humans aren't the only ones who will throw everything aside to assert their power. You can see similar behaviours in chimpanzees and dolphins, and probably more animals, though I can't name them off my head. It is the same thing that drives people to want riches that drives them to want power. They want to be the best, the greatest, the most powerful just like any other species. People are in truth just animals who have adapted the world to their needs instead of themselves to the world. Not everyone wants the power to the same extent. Not everyone wants to be a world leader or a money giant with huge influential power, but given the chance, most people would take the job anyways, because people think their views are right, and everything else is wrong naturally, and they want everyone to agree with their views; to bring everyone about to the same conclusion as them, and power is a way of achieving it. I don't think anyone can really escape this urge to be more powerful and more influential in some way, even if they don't realize they have it. We may look at it and say, "damn, if people weren't so power hungry, the world would be much nicer", but let me pose this question: How many of you would actually turn down the chance for power and the ability to bring your own agenda about? You may want to do something good for the world with this power, but you still probably want it. I know if you asked me, "would you run for president?", I would answer, "hell no, I don't want that job", but if you offered me the presidency, I would take it for the simple reason that I have things I would like to see happen. The things I want to see happen may be (in my opinion) for the good of the world, unlike many powerful figures who don't give a shit about the rest of the world, and just want riches and power and the advancement of their group at the expence of others, but the stuff I would do is still my agenda.

[juroara]

well uhh..me. I will gladly turn down that opportunity. am an anarchist at heart, dont care for leadership much. dont care to lead much.

[King and God]

What does that greed of power stem from? What is so fascinating, so exciting in it for some people? They reject everything - the friends, the family, the morals and dignity making themselves capable of every imaginable cruelty and crime in order to get the power.[/b] I will take a wild guess and say it is because people who want to receive satisfaction from Power are unable to receive as high satisfaction from an emotion such as Love.

[Rav1]

....I will take a wild guess and say it is because people who want to receive satisfaction from Power are unable to receive as high satisfaction from an emotion such as Love.... Do they even feel emotions like compassion or kindness? Not to mention love. Such people are blind and unhappy... The worst is in all of that they spoil and destroy the whole planet.

[Merlin38]

This may not be as general as some of your thoughts, but here is a senario I am familiar with. In school, group projects are inevitable. In many cases, certian individuals will assume a position of power to gain attention or praise from teachers or students. They often care more for themselves than the group, or have no idea what they are doing. This is the type of powerful individual that is damaging to everyone. On the other had, there are people in positions of power that are capable in their tasks, and put the group first. Power freaks may be a result of overcompensation, but legitamit leadership does occur.

[The Cusp]

"...first you get the money, then you get the power,then you get the woman." You people left out the biggest driving force, sex!

[M-Cat]

In the book 1984, Orwell suggests that the main motivation behind the "Inner Party," or the ruling classes, is pure power. Nietzsche furthermore conceived of the "Will to Power," a very worthwhile philosophical idea to study. These ideas should be simple enough for anyone here to understand, if you go into them in more detail.