When it became apparent to me that power and its inappropriate use is the common key between people and trouble, I searched diligently for resources that would contribute to my education about power and leadership. Thanks to a gift from a wonderful lady I worked with in Vermont, I found more invaluable examples of leadership in a Thesaurus of the Old and New Testaments than anywhere else—literally, hundreds upon hundreds of references to power and leadership.
I learned from researching each reference that most of the problems of nations, communities, and people result from bad leadership. Many millions of people have died trying to satisfy their leaders, yet I found that most leaders did not care. It was the blind pursuit of power which drove most leaders. The people they used as pawns meant nothing to them and still do to this day.
So, whether I studied philosophers, politics, history, and psychology, it was clear to me that power is a drug. And, I might argue, one of the most potent drugs that humanity seeks and is willing to destroy for. It is why I had to learn about myself and the leader I was. Even as an old man, I am still determined to be me and never what others would have me be. So, in researching the subject for the benefit of those that employed me to help them be better leaders, I learned an awful lot about myself. Thank you. I owe a great deal to these courageous leaders.
“Mutual” is a wonderful word. It spreads the good that is done. I hope those I led over the years received some good and grew from my relationship with them. I know I was given back by children and certainly by the many adults I worked with. And, just in case, I came across as one of those lousy leaders, it was the result of pure ignorance.
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