Shiho Blog #9 - What's the Hype Around Having Power?
What's the Hype Around Having Power?
 |
| https://www.panmacmillan.com/blogs/literary/george-orwell-quotes-1984-animal-farm |
Over the summer, I read the dystopian novel 1984 by George Orwell and was confused more than anything after finishing it. The book was written by George Orwell in 1948 as a way to demonstrate what the world would look like controlled completely under a totalitarian regime. It follows the life of Winston Smith, a middle-aged man who is responsible for changing documented history for the government, known as the Party. The main goal of the Party is to control not only history, but also the actions, language spoken, and even thoughts of its civilians. Naturally, this calls for some sort of policing, and the Thought Police are the ones responsible for catching traitors of the government. Consequently, when Winston starts taking stealth action against the Party and their end goal of absolute power over their citizens, he is caught and tortured to cleanse his soul of his alleged corruption.
Even as someone who took European History last year and learned about different forms of totalitarian governments throughout history, I am still confused as to why having power over other people is such a desirable thing. I understand the desire for money and fame because achieving these goals leads to an enhanced quality of life, but will having power over others really give the same satisfaction?
My confusion may be a result of never having the opportunity to experience being in a state of power over others. Part of it definitely comes from the fact that I am an only child without younger siblings to control; however, I still don't think having power would affect me as much even if I had that opportunity because controlling other people is honestly just nerve-racking and too much responsibility.
It was really weird seeing a society where everything wasn't driven by money or even fame, but if money and fame cannot buy happiness will power be able to do the same?
Hi Shiho, people seek power because they want others to change or for people to listen to them. Additionally, when people receive the power, it is often in tangent with money and fame. We see examples of people seeking power in our day-to-day lives; whether it be by getting a managerial position or stepping up in a relationship, people want others to listen to them. All in all, I feel seeking power is a good thing as it liberates oneself and puts one in a better position to succeed in society.
ReplyDeleteHey Shiho, I think you bring up a really interesting thought experiment about why people truly chase power. I agree with you that it can be very “nerve-racking,” but I think most people chase power under a disillusionment of what the acquisition of power truly implies. Many chase power because they think that it will earn them money, happiness, and fame and to a certain extent it does, but after a certain level of power, people’s mental health only stands to suffer. I think many others, especialy on a smaller scale, crave power simply so that they are not on the recieving side of it.
ReplyDeleteHi Shiho! I always thought that people wanted power mainly because of their strong desire for money, control, or influence. I do not think the dictators view such power and control as tiresome responsibilities. Instead, they constantly find ways to exploit and take advantage of those they hold power over. Also I found it interesting how you asked whether or not power could bring happiness as it is often stated that money and fame cannot buy happiness. I believe that power does bring happiness, to some extent, as the conscious experience of emotional reactions may differ between individuals.
ReplyDeleteHi Shiho, I think people seek power to stay in charge. For example, if you're an employee and your employer is really horrible to you, you'd probably want to either leave the company or take their job. To do that, power is needed. Power gives people opportunity, but it differs from person to person. People chase money and fame because it gives them power. I don't think there's any real-world society that does not rely on the pursuit of power, money, or fame— that is what capitalism is driven by.
ReplyDeleteHey Shiho! I think you brought up an interesting point about why everyone seems to want power. In my eyes and many citizens, people seem to want power to change what other people do, to practically control everyone to work in their favor. They have the constant mindset that power can buy happiness and basically everything they desire. I would say some people use power for good and some people use it to manipulate others, for bad. Honestly, a part of me does see why people think power can buy them happiness. Frankly, some people might just genuinely get happiness from materialistic things such as money, fame and power. Usually though if power does really bring someone happiness, they usually end up using the power to help themselves instead of the people around them.
ReplyDeleteHi Shiho! I've been wanting to read 1984 for a while. Living under a totalitarian regime sounds very frightening, having even your thoughts being controlled. I agree and wonder what gain comes from having this excessive control. While having a certain amount of power has its benefits, I also find this extreme version of power stressful and tiresome.
ReplyDeleteHey Shiho! Although I haven't read 1984 yet, I can relate to your confusions. I know a lot about the various types of power-hungry governments, but I am confused on what makes extreme power so appealing. Is it money? Influence? The ability to get anything at your beck and call? It doesn't seem like a great responsibility, and I wonder what happiness absolute power provides that regular means of attaining money cannot. I'm sure there are benefits to the position that I, as a common citizen, won't know, and I'm sure there are people who love power. Like you, I am an only child who hasn't experienced the total influence over another human being. Regardless, I wouldn't want that responsibility.
ReplyDeleteHello Shiho,
ReplyDeleteI completely understand where you come from. Power may seem to be the key to all one's desires but when I am old and look back at my life, I want to feel proud of the way I took care of myself and found happiness in everything I had. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I want to freeze time and essentially gain a stronger control on my life. I soon become overwhelmed with the feeling that losing control means losing my purpose in life, but it does not. My mental and physical health comes first and often that means taking the time to understand myself and the world before following a single path to power. Sometimes it seems that people only strive to gain power out of fear or jealousy of how someone else may use it. This mindset is what distinguishes a power-hungry individual from a leader.
Hi Shiho, I haven’t read 1984 yet, but as an older sister, having power over my younger sibling creates situations where I have to take on a lot of responsibility. But, I feel quite happy and proud when he is praised for knowledge and traits that I helped teach. If given the choice again, I would still choose to be an older child, not because it gives me control over my sibling (he only listens to me like half the time) but because it gives me the chance to pass on what others have taught me. In this way, I think it’s really the motive for power that matters. Chasing power for the sake of power will not result in ultimate happiness, but seeking power to help others will provide a sense of overall accomplishment.
ReplyDelete