Power

In class on Monday we discussed the use of writing to gain power. What I find interesting is how powerful writing truly can be. Whenever I listen to the radio at work they are often playing older blues music, or the occasional classical piece. They always follow every few songs with a little blurb about the artist or the song they had played. One of the most important things they emphasize is the timelessness either the lyrics or the composition. I often find the same trait being given to poems, literature, and films. This timelessness gives it infinite relevance to anyone because they discuss a problem always found in the human experience or they challenge the normal structures and limits of human creativity. The most powerful pieces of literature seem to be religious texts. Granted these stories tend to carry the same message, one which most of the followers can't seem to grasp, they were all written by humans who wanted people to think a different way. Machiavelli's The Prince shows us how people will do terrible things for power, and I believe it carries with it the message for us to be aware. If we are aware of how dreadful people can be when they have a thirst for power we can be more cautious and aware of the actions they take. By being aware of these things we can prepare ourselves and counter these manipulative tactics. This message can be found in the bible I found out. Matthew 10:16 says, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." I am sure the message of awareness can be found in many tales and stories from the past.