Pain and Power

One of the things I have written about is that if you want to know what someone really believes, then don’t pay attention to their words, but rather watch what they do. Words are aspirational. Actions reveal true belief.

I’ve been reading and watching videos about Carl Jung and psychology lately. Jung talked about something similar, but with more focus. He said don’t pay attention to what people say if you want to know their character. Instead pay attention to someone when they are in a position of power and when they experience pain. Those two situations will reveal a person’s true character. When someone is in a position of power, do they remain humble or do they use that power over others? Does the person listen to learn or do they assume they are right and silence any dissent? Does the person tend towards restraint or towards cruelty? Does the person believe that accountability is helpful or do they see accountability as a hindrance?

When it comes to pain, does the person seek help willingly, or do they blame others for the situation? Do they find ways to deal with the pain, or do they prefer to be the victim?

Actions show a person for who they are. Actions under pressure situations reveal even more. You can learn a lot about a person by just watching them. Look at a variety of public figures in stressful situations – politicians, high profile preachers, celebrities, sports figures, and more. Pay attention to how they act when they are in a powerful position. Do they lord it over others or do they use their position to empower others? When they are in a situation that is painful (maybe receiving bad press), how do they handle it? Do they blame someone else or do they take responsibility (if it’s their fault)?

The same can be said for everyday people as well. How do we handle being in a position of power? Do we do what far too many other powerful people have done – use that power at the expense of others or do we understand that the power we have been entrusted is temporary and that we are stewards of it to use it for the betterment of the common good? When we experience pain, do we seek relief and help in order to address the situation or do we blame and see ourselves as the victim?

Another thing that relates to this is asking the question – does the ends justify the means, or are the means and the ends equally important? If the ends justify the means, then someone in a position of power or pain will use that against others believing they can only advance themselves by tearing down someone else. But a person who sees the means and the ends as equally important will understand the concept of restraint, knowing that situations are always temporary and at some point, someone else will be in the situation and have power over them, or be able to help them with the pain they are experiencing.

Pain and power reveal a great deal about a person. What do you notice?