The Power Paradox

The “Power Paradox” by Dacher Keltner, is a book centered on examining the concept of power and redifnining it. 

Keltner makes the argument that power has been defined in mostly negative terms over time. He points to Machiavelli as an example. In “The Prince” Machiavelli espouses a vision of power that resides in fear. If someone is feared, they can exercise power over others. 

Keltner flips the argument on its head using research he has conducted at Berkeley, and drawing examples from the literature. His main argument is that power doesn’t have to be about fear. Power can be exercised by showing compassion, being gentle, taking care of others, etc. 

I have to say it is an intriguing argument. I didn’t read all the papers he quotes, but assuming they were done correctly, some insights are worth mentioning. 

For instance, it turns out that being generous with others activates certain areas of the brain in both the person being generous, and the person on the receiving end. Some studies have shown that people with empathy have a greater standing within a social group, an indication that power is given by the social group to a person that is generous and empathic. Therefore, there is a connection between the mechanisms experienced in the brain and our social interactions. 

I won’t go into more details, but the book is filled with this types of examples, and studies that Keltner did. 

If there was one thing I had to remember from the book, it would be that we should definitely alter our idea about power. Power is not all about coercive force. If the author is right, power is also about being a good human being to everyone surrounding you.