Essays from the past : People in position of power are most effective when they exercise caution and restraint in the use of that power

Man lusts for two things: power and money. Both power and money are like two sides of a coin. They complement each other perfectly. With money comes power and with power comes money. People like rulers and heads of states of developed nations, businessmen heading cyclopean organizations, leaders of small yet militarily powerful nations and heads of nation having strong allies sit on the throne of power and play games with destinies of the people and nations of world. At times these games are nothing more than reckless pursuits towards selfish ends of these individuals. The conclusion of such games is nothing but devastation on a large scale. Devastation that destroys people, creates deep chasm in the social fabric of a nation and redraws the world map.

It is said that 'with great power comes great responsibilty'. Men in the position of power are most effective when they exercise caution and restraint in the use of power. There are many examples that elucidate that when power has been misused that consequences have been tragic. Take for example the mindless imperialistic pursuits of germany, france, england, italy etc during 18th and 19th century. These imperialist powers indulged in rapid colonization and left a gory trail of blood and destruction behind them. Taking the specific case of systematic colonization of india by east india company. After forcefully taking over most of india, the east india company had to deal with sporadic revolts taking place all over the country.The great revolt of 1857 shook their foundation and the crown had to take control of the indian empire. What followed was a continous struggle for independence both by violent and non violent means. And if the internal conflicts were not enough, the raj had to deal with the growing insecurities between various nations of power about the growing boundries of others. These insecurities led to world war I and subsequently world war II. These two wars particularly the later one saw the use of most potent weapons of destruction ever invented by man. Machine guns, AK 47, submarines, trench warfare, chemical and biological weapons and the most destructive of all atomic bomb were unleashed on both civilian and military establishment. Millions of people died and for what purpose? because some people on the throne or power had a voracious appetite for something that was not theirs.

Now looking at the present day scenario, after the fall of USSR and end of cold war era, governments, jaded by the mass destrution caused by these two world wars are more careful before engaging in military option. A pakistan indulging in misadventures like kargil faces severe economic sanction from even its closet ally (USA).An afghanistan sheltering a terrorist organization like al-qaeda faces military action. But later on the people in position of power(USA AND UK) take the initiative to rebuild the war ravaged country. Clearly the focus of the people in power has now shifted towards exercising restraint and caution before using power. This is the obvious need of the hour. The hydra headed monster of terrorism(our past haunting us) refuses to subside and it is in the best interest of everybody that we direct our resources and powers in quashing the monstrous reptile before it consumes the entire humanity.