The Inner Struggle Behind the Illusion of Power

The pursuit of power is not simply the desire to subordinate others, but a reflection of deep internal drives for self-assertion and compensating for personal shortcomings. At the root of this phenomenon lies repressed energy, when a person, seized by the fervor of passions, seeks affirmation of his significance through controlling those around him. It is precisely in the attempt to impose one’s will that he obtains an illusion of power—one that masks his weaknesses and conceals the insecurity that torments him during inner struggles.

However, the true value of power does not lie in dominating others, but in the ability to govern oneself and achieve inner harmony. Genuine satisfaction comes when a person manages to control his own desires and aspirations, overcoming destructive impulses and transforming energy into productive force. The dynamic quest for power often disguises a deep need for self-improvement—the art of self-mastery that, rather than resorting to violence, bestows true contentment.

Thus, power as an external manifestation of strength becomes only a temporary substitute for inner discipline. True might is built on the art of self-governance—only then will external power cease being an illusion and instead embody genuine personal confidence and resilience.

Why do people experience a special pleasure from having power over those who owe them something or are attached to them?
People derive satisfaction from the sensation of power because, for them, controlling others becomes an expression of inner strength and an attempt to compensate for their insecurity or lack of self-discipline. When the feeling of power arises as a result of unbridled passions, it is capable of displacing personal weaknesses, giving the illusion of strength and independence. Thus, a person overwhelmed by the love of power finds satisfaction in having his will imposed on others—even if it requires sacrificing the well-being of those around him.

This drive for power stems from deep-seated instincts. As one source notes, “It should be noted that people with bad instincts outnumber those with good ones, so the best results in managing them are achieved through violence and intimidation rather than academic reasoning. Everyone strives for power; everyone would like to become a dictator if only they could, though few would be willing to sacrifice everyone’s welfare in order to secure their own” (source: link ). This emphasizes that while power may seem attractive in terms of control and dominance, it necessitates the suppression of other needs and moral guidelines, often rendering its exercise violent.

At the same time, when a person is unable to control himself, he proves incapable of true self-improvement, and therefore, of the constructive exercise of power. As stated in another excerpt: “If he is not capable of controlling himself... then how can he control others? ... True enjoyment does not lie in indulging in pleasures, but in feeling content” (source: link ). This implies that real satisfaction comes not from external domination but from internal discipline and self-control. Nevertheless, for many, the sense of power over those who are attached to or indebted to them serves as a substitute for the deeper satisfaction that can only be attained when one is in harmony with oneself.

Thus, the pleasure derived from power over others emerges as a result of repressed internal passions and the desire to compensate for the lack of self-control. It offers the illusion of personal strength and significance, even if its foundation is based on destructive impulses—a view that portrays power as a manifestation of personal ambition and negative instincts.