Power and Responsibility
By Morgan
@OneOfMany (12150)
United States
March 2, 2018 8:00pm CST
We often see the words together, especially in the Marvel Comics' universe, but do those with power actually stop to think about it? And for those with an absurd amount, do they slow down to consider the weight of their actions and the consequences that could arise upon taking action? Or is it more common for those with the power to simply ignore those who will be caught in the resultant destruction and chaos?
I often think about the responsibility that comes from wielding power. Is it really there, or is it a bed time story to protect the powerless... I'm torn. After all, we see power utilized by gods across all religions, by powerful politicians across the world, and by heroes and villains alike in stories and tales. Very rarely does anyone stop to consider the power they hold.
So I ask you, the reader... if you had absurd amounts of power, would you think twice about using it? Or would you just go ahead and use it, no matter the consequences?
29 people like this
22 responses
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
16 Mar 18
I would use it for the benefit of mankind.
7 people like this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
16 Mar 18
@OneOfMany Then I would use it to destroy evil.
2 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
16 Mar 18
There's certainly that approach, but what if you could only use a power to destroy?
3 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
16 Mar 18
@1hopefulman Hmm, that's a lofty goal. I guess if it depends on how it is used, that could work. But if it killed innocent people while using it?
For example, you can alter the weather to a degree. Someone asks for rain, and if you do, it causes a hurricane. That's the kind of scale.
2 people like this
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
16 Mar 18
Yes, people do abuse their power but I believe that power without checks and balances will always lead to abuse. So, if given power and there was no checks and balance attached to it, in my imperfect human thinking and goal to self gratification, I would use it to my advantage. I would tend to abuse it. So, when given power, I would like a checks and balance mechanism attached to it so that I can be able to evaluate my use of my power. Almighty God does not abuse his power. The only gods that do so, to correct your OP, are mythical gods.
4 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
16 Mar 18
So I should abuse my power? I suppose that seems to be the consensus around here.
I would think that the god in the old testament was very abusive with power and lacked responsibility. There are many ways to fix a problem than culling the people involved directly. Although, I guess genocide sounds appealing to those with the power to do so... Although I guess it isn't genocide in the case of a god. Extermination, might be a better word.
Thanks for your insight!
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
16 Mar 18
@enlightenedpsych2 Most of that 'big guy's' laws that he put into the OT, would get you arrested in any society. Stoning people, killing disobedient children, slaughtering your neighbors if an atrocity was committed... and so on.
In the OT, if you changed God with Satan, it would make more sense, because you can see the evil committed. In comparison, Satan killed 6 people, and most were because he was under orders to do so. The kill count between the two definitely suggests that the big guy was truly the evil one in the story.
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
16 Mar 18
@enlightenedpsych2 I have read many interesting discussion topics in the past. You probably would have liked them. They were quite lengthy, though.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37353)
• Toccoa, Georgia
16 Mar 18
I would think twice before using it.
3 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
16 Mar 18
@LeaPea2417 Something that is your benefit today, could be detrimental in the future.
2 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
16 Mar 18
It's good to be cautious. You never know the long term consequences of a single act.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (79858)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
17 Mar 18
If I had the power to change something or do some good or anything else like that I would use my power very wisely for the good of all.
3 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
17 Mar 18
Sounds like you are being responsible at least. :)
1 person likes this
@lookatdesktop (27134)
• Dallas, Texas
17 Mar 18
I would not abuse it and think twice before acting on it. And of course, I would think ahead before acting once.
3 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
17 Mar 18
That's a good approach to doing things. If you use it, it will most likely have dire consequences if you do so without considering the future.
@Namelesss (3365)
• United States
3 Mar 18
Great thoughts here but as much as I like the question I'm afraid the answer is dismal.
People already have way more power than they know and yet they willingly give it away everyday without even realizing it. So if I had absurd amounts of power chances are through my own ignorance and lack of perception I would likely do what most everyone else would do - give it away. And still complain about being taken advantage of.
Sad but true, that is the human condition as we live it today and have done so since time in memorial.
4 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
3 Mar 18
That is an interesting approach. I haven't though about people giving it away much, but I suppose that's certainly an option. Unless, it's a massive amount that doesn't quite work like that. But I guess, if you choose not to use it, you have given it away.
I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let it out.
2 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
3 Mar 18
@Namelesss Supernatural powers, natural powers, what's the difference? lol I'm hoping that most people don't know how to utilize such things. :P
I know all about giving my heart away. I'm still trying to resurrect it from the dust it has become! My spirit is going strong though.
One has to wonder where it goes if it is given so freely...
As for money, there are two options for it: we give it to products or services. When the number of services outweigh products, we get poorer. At least if we get something in return for our money, we can get some of the money back later. Currently, we live in a service-dominant economy. That's why the economy is so terrible! Everyone is passing around wealth, and keeping nothing in return.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160665)
• United States
17 Mar 18
I always think and rethink things, so I believe that would probably be what I would do if I had abundant power, too. It is my nature and personality.
2 people like this
@shaggin (72131)
• United States
17 Mar 18
I had huge amounts of power I would use that power for good things. To many people who hold power over others with their positions do not use it for the good of everyone instead they only use it for the good of themselves and what they can get out of it.
2 people like this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
16 Mar 18
Sounds like you have something you want to accomplish. :)
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
29 Mar 18
Power is something in this country at least induces corruption. It is also a shame that the ones with the power in any part of the world hardly ever use it for good reasons. It is all mostly bad. And yes, those that are considered powerful, like, corporations, politicians and alike, only care about themselves and how much money they can make and take away from the little people. So, power could be good if used in positive ways. But sadly, it is mainly used to corrupt.
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
29 Mar 18
@enlightenedpsych2 Thank you. I agree. There should be equality between negative and positive power. That way, like you said, we can make a better judgement call. But I see a power struggle happening now. And at some point, something has to give. And hopefully it will be in a more positive way.
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
1 May 18
@OneOfMany Tell me about it. I am tired of the news. All propaganda. It gets annoying after awhile. I guess the true children are our government. LOL.
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
29 Mar 18
There's so much negativity in the political power struggle that I have physically become ill from watching too much lately. It threw off my balance just a bit, and now I'm trying to recover. Allergens and poisonous fumes didn't help either, but all of it factored together for a bigger mess. :P
1 person likes this
@cmoneyspinner (9219)
• Austin, Texas
18 Mar 18
All people are equal. Nobody has any power. They are just some people that other people let be in charge because … (???) … it's very likely they don't want to handle the RESPONSIBILITY of managing hard stuff … like uuhh … war and peace.
The masses don't want to make the decision so they say “Here! You do it! We'll call you king or president or prime minister or emperor or whatever!”
Sadly, when that person who THINKS they have POWER tries to abuse it, they usually get a wake up call when a powerless “inferior” or a group of powerless “inferiors” puts their lights out.
In The End, they wake up to the fact that Whoever put 'em in, had the power to take 'em out!
That was additional unnecessary commentary. The answer to your question is: “To whom much is given, much is required.” Just because authority and abuse both begin with the letter “A”, it doesn't mean they should be used together.
1 person likes this
@cmoneyspinner (9219)
• Austin, Texas
25 Mar 18
@OneOfMany - Well! I did have a brother who used to say Hitler wasn't near as crazy and evil as the people who supported him. But since I'm not a mind reader, I don't know if they supported him or they just wanted to stay alive.
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
25 Mar 18
@cmoneyspinner Actually, when he was an art student, I would say Hitler wasn't crazy or evil. He was just another struggling youth trying to find his way in the world. Stress, failed relationships, and ruined expectations certainly didn't help the eventual direction.
I forget much of that direction, but I have a book on him somewhere.
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
18 Mar 18
So if they aren't entirely people, then they can have power, right? Then what do they do in those cases?
Certainly, if it's an equal front, then it is the person who has received the support of others that holds the power over others through position. Abusing that is bad.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
17 Mar 18
I would hope I use it for the good @OneOfMany .
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
18 Mar 18
It's certainly better to hope it goes for the good. :)
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
17 Mar 18
The influence of a great mind can hold power. Should people choose to heed to it. Having both at once is a rarity of skill in power.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26681)
• Singapore
17 Mar 18
@OneOfMany We have those who have great power due to the political office they hold or wealth. However I tend to believe once we have that type of power, we tend to change in our outlook. In politics, whoever we elect to power the boss remains the same. The leaders are beholden to few. With wealth one is never satisfied and want to climb up the rich list.
There are few rich who tend to shoulder the responsibility that comes with wealth. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet give away wealth even while alive! They are good examples to follow and they have inspired few in Asia who earlier gave their last cents to their immediate family - siva
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
18 Mar 18
Sounds like some good ambitions! :)
1 person likes this
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
17 Mar 18
That sounds like a good plan. It's better to plan ahead than to simply let loose.
1 person likes this
@Liberti (264)
• Mead, Washington
17 Mar 18
Power often leads to greed and selfishness. Many do not wield it properly or fairly or even justly. Power can be taken away. It should be used with wisdom and knowledge seeking the truth and weighing matters before proceeding into things not known. If it is used toward selfish gains at the expense of others it will eventually catch up to you. Power can backfire and devour and destroy you, your life, your family, your friendship and your health. Or it can gain you much using it with wisdom and listening and researching things before going forward with any matter or project. Who will it benefit, why, for what purpose. Who will lose and why and to what purpose. It is wholesome or evil. Power can corrupt and often does but sometimes a wise person can and does use it for good. It depends on a persons character how they use it.
@OneOfMany (12150)
• United States
17 Mar 18
Good call. Otherwise it would lead to trouble. :P
1 person likes this
@janethwayne (5191)
• Philippines
12 Feb 19
Well my power is my prayers to God to use it to protect me and guide me to a right direction and right path and be protected.
@resukill22 (25050)
• Las Pinas City, Philippines
23 Nov 18
If I have a power I use it for the good ways and help little people
