Power is an illusion sought by many, obtained by a few and destructive to all. Since the dawn of man, power has been an established mentality anchored in his psyche. It was used to allow man to define himself, his place in this world and the place of everything around him. Man has ignorantly assumed that he and his race are the holders and wielders of power, while ignoring the truths and true definition of it. The consequences of his disregard were detrimental to man, but he failed to correct his erroneous rationalizations and understanding. Power has built and destroyed many men and will continue to do so until man begins to understand that power is an illusion in life and something that cannot be possessed. The definition of power is that of control: someone or something can or is controlled by another. Man is capable of controlling himself, others and even part of his environment, it's true. However, the control that man possesses is limited and does not meet the full definition of power. Man is never completely able to control himself, his body can and will react automatically in ways that he is not able to control. Man may be able to control another man to a certain extent, but he will never have complete control over another. Each individual has their own thoughts and feelings, these aspects of them can be manipulated by others, but not yet fully controlled. Man has attempted and succeeded with limited control over his environment, but has suffered considerable consequences. The nature of the environment does not recognize or adhere to the power of control of any single element or person. The environment is maintained through cycles that depend on...... middle of paper......t excites the human mind. The human mind can envision unlimited possibilities depending on its interpretation of power. What the human mind fails to recognize is that power is simply something that cannot be obtained. This is a false belief that, if researched, can have significant consequences for the researcher. Instead of man continuing to delude himself with his superstition of power, he would serve himself better by remembering the fate of those before him who fell during their quest for power. Man must begin to understand how all things in this world work together; nothing is completely controlled by another, but ultimately benefits and depends on each other. Works Cited Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf. WW> Norton & Company, 2000. Lewis, CS The Abolition of Man. Harper Collins, 1944. The destabilization of America. Western Publishers Group, 1977.