Power

reading a book on Power. So far, it's a very enjoyable read. The theories, examples, tips are easy to follow and accept. Of course, to really use the tips in the book to attain power, you'd have to practice, practice and practice.

Power is an over-studied topic in China, but not so much in the US. Partially because the benefits of having power are accenturated in China than those in the US. Reflected in my personal life, I stopped paying attention to the "discipline" of power acqusition right after I came to the US in my mid-20s. After all, the belief is your professional skills would help you succeed, not power in this democratic country.

The theories offered in this book bear some surprising resemblence to the things I used to hear my Mom talk about, when I was growing up. The main difference is the author talks about it in a fact of matter way and as something anybody aspiiring to succeed should pay attention and ultimately attain; whereas when Mom used to talk about it it was more in a cynical "i know the game, but i don't want to play the game" type of way.

So in that light, it may not be a bad thing that for 13+ years, I didn't get to learn much on Power. 13+ years is enough years for me to unlearn the negative connotations associated with Power, as influenced by my Mom.

This is in no way a criticism on my Mom. Given the social environment and the few select ways to attain power in her times and in her environment, one should be able to understand where her sarcasm may be coming from.

I'm in the thick of reading it. Will share some key takeaways next time.

Power to me. Power to those who want to make a difference.