We love it, we hate it.
We respect it, we reject it.
Power serves, then abuses.
It promises the impossible,
so we nurture and applaud it.
But it has little need of our support,
for it is self propagating,
bearing within itself the seeds of its own growth.
With wisdom we would concern ourselves, not with power,
but with the means of controlling it.
For unbridled power knows no bounds,
spreading and expanding secretly,
creating, then slaying imaginary dragons,
favouring us with gifts, the products of our own labours,
smiling benevolently upon its unsuspecting victims.
The growth of power is slow, stealthy, near-indiscernible.
Only when it is too late do we begin to comprehend
the extent of its influence,
the stranglehold with which it binds us.
We stand by and observe, dumb and impotent
while it oppresses within its borders
and creates wars with its neighbours,
seeking more and ever more growth and influence.
Centuries of history have proved repeatedly:
Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Power destroys, and absolute power destroys absolutely.
Power.
We need to set controls, disciplines and limitations upon it.
We need to observe it, study it, understand it,
watch, monitor, analyze and make public its every move.
For power can, and has destroyed nations and continents.
It may yet destroy our world.