If you are human and not entirely brainwashed, getting what you want as well as being who you want to be, for yourself and others, is relevant to you. Most of us consider it important to be in charge of our own life and destiny. And, most of us are aware that, in situations when we don’t have the power to control our life and aren’t able steer it in whatever direction we deem fit, blaming the circumstances only affirms our impotence. To live with purpose, we need to come from a place of power and capability. Whenever we cannot be in that place and therefore have a hard time acting in accordance with our values, goals and aspirations, we need to get to the bottom and take care of things. So, when it comes down to it, power, influence, and empowerment are fundamental topics that all of us are well advised to face.
Every novel that truly touches a reader’s soul, and every movie that brings in millions of dollars, addresses the human struggle between power and powerlessness, if only between the lines. Furthermore, the economic players that drive modern civilization, as well as the rich and glamorous who keep the masses entertained, have their own commandments of power engraved in the shiny walls that safeguard the temple of mainstream mentality. Power concerns every one of us in many respects. So, in the grand scheme of things, our own life stories are testament to the fact that, many times over, we’ve been on the giving and receiving end when it comes to power and influence.
Throughout the upcoming chapters, I address power from many different angles. Right now, you might feel that you have a handle on how you live your life. After reading this, you’ll have more handles. And, more ways to leverage them.
Historical research tells us that the first book on power has been written around 2400 years ago by Ptahhotep, an Egyptian vizier under King Isesi of the Egyptian Fifth Dynasty (ca. 2414-2375 BC). More recently, the most iconic blockbuster bestseller in this category has been “The 48 Laws of Power”, penned by Robert Greene. In between, Plato, Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, Carl Von Clausewitz and many, many others have done their bit, thinking and writing about power in-depth. So, who am I to add my name to such a list?
First of all, I’m not adding my name to that list. What lies ahead of you, is not another manifesto on power and influence, let alone a historical review on the pursuit of world dominance. Rather, it’s an invitation to an extensive and somewhat intimate conversation about power, impact, and self-empowerment that you and I are going to have in your head. A conversation that I expect to offer you at least some crucial insights into yourself and others that nothing else has given you thus far. Second, who I am will become clearer to you with every page you’ll read. I’ll give you an abridged version of my background in the preface following this author’s note. Beyond that, what will allow you to get acquainted with me on a somewhat profounder level are the perspectives I’ll introduce you to and the personal stories I’ll touch upon throughout the upcoming pages.
I’m publishing this book, piece by piece, here on FiftyShadesOfPower.com while I’m in the process of writing it. You’ll have to return to this website, likely more than once, to avoid missing out on those pieces that I haven’t written and published yet. Meaning, you’re welcome to look over my shoulder, and already start reaping the benefits, while I advance. Also, since it’s freely accessible, you can easily recommend this book to anyone, at your convenience. I greatly appreciate the support you give me by letting others know that this book exists. So, if you like what you read, I’d like you to spread the word.
