Power is not innate, but rather takes root and grows from human weaknesses. Desire is its soil, fear is its water, and reason is its fragile roots. Once you understand this, you can easily plant seeds in others' hearts, making them willingly work for you. And once power is fully rooted, words are unnecessary because it has become a natural presence.
—Arthur Hastings
Power possesses a Medusa-like gaze; anyone who looks upon its face cannot look away, falls under its petrification magic, and becomes ensnared by it. Anyone who has tasted the intoxicating pleasure of ruling and commanding people will never willingly abandon it. Scour world history to find examples of voluntarily relinquished power: besides Sulla and Charles V, you will not find a dozen people among thousands who have willingly and consciously given up the fervent desire to manipulate the fate of thousands, almost a sin.
