Prosperity exists within a power-impregnated environment because:
wealth gives power
wealth uses power
wealth attracts power.
But we must not forget that:
power creates wealth
power uses wealth
power attracts wealth.
So coming to terms with power-centredness (if that is you) and the personal use of power by yourself and others (if you are not primarily power-centred) is a critical aspect of emotional maturation and intrinsic to strength of character.
Crush key opponents totally in body, mind and spirit
Use vagueness
Mystify, obscure, confuse
Attract attention
Avoid isolation
Take credit for work done by others
Never appeal for sympathy or expect gratitude
Surrender to the stronger party
Exploit basic human wishes, fears and weaknesses
Focus on appearances
Stay whiter than white—assign blame
Destroy or marginalize independent thinkers
Argue to win, irrespective of the validity of your position.
Power-driven individuals have their own distinctive prescription for success: they never forget Might is right! And they follow this sort of philosophy:
Life is a jungle
Get on top
Know the pecking order
Reject constraints
Ignore guilt and remorse
Never lose face
Refuse rational discussion
Ignore consequences
Eat, drink and be merry
Think of individuals you know who obviously exemplify the category. In doing so, remember that it is the overall pattern that counts—not any particular interaction.
Indulge in immediate pleasures—sensuality and sexuality.
Review
Is this vision of life amoral or even immoral?
Does it strike you as somewhat anti-social?
Is there a danger of aggressive interactions escalating?
Could it result in corruption and crime, in the wrong hands?
Would you say it is foolish and self-destructive?
Yet power is a social reality and it has its acolytes. Most successful rulers in the historical record were power-centred, and so are politicians to this day. As indeed are many financiers.
Important! Recognize that there are many successful power-centred individuals who are sensible and adept enough to stay out of serious trouble.
Nevertheless, when power becomes the primary goal, there is always the danger of a vacuum where values should be: principles disappear, expedience rules and ends justify the means.
Some see benefit elsewhere: in an ordered life built on worthy and unshakeable values, which means being Cause-centred. Look there.