"We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it"

People who grab power don’t plan on giving it up. It’s a pretty straightforward observation about human nature and how power works. Once someone has a taste of control, they’re usually not keen on letting it go. Think of it as a kid who just got the only toy in the sandbox — it’s not easy to pry it from their hands.

This idea comes from George Orwell’s "1984," a novel that dives deep into the dangers of totalitarianism. Orwell wrote it after World War II, a time when people were acutely aware of dictators like Hitler and Stalin. These were leaders who rose to power and clung to it by any means necessary, often at great cost to their people. Orwell's world, Oceania, is a place where the government exerts absolute control and constantly rewrites history to maintain its grip. The statement is a nod to the reality that those who have power rarely, if ever, plan to give it up voluntarily.

Let’s dive into a practical example. Think about the situation in North Korea. Kim Jong-un inherited power from his father, Kim Jong-il, who had, in turn, inherited it from his father, Kim Il-sung. The Kim dynasty has maintained a tight grip on North Korea for three generations. They’ve established a regime that controls almost every aspect of life in the country — from the media to personal beliefs. They use propaganda, fear, and even violence to ensure their power remains unchallenged. The government quashes any hint of dissent. It’s a clear case of power seized and power jealously guarded.

How can we apply this nugget of wisdom? First, recognize the signs of power being consolidated in your own surroundings and question it. If you’re in a workplace, for instance, and notice that a manager is hoarding responsibilities and not delegating — that’s a red flag. Ask questions, propose transparency, and advocate for shared decision-making. Don’t let power hierarchies go unchecked. It might feel like pushing a boulder uphill, but remember, small ripples can lead to big waves.

Imagine you’re part of a community board. You’ve got one person who seems to be making all the decisions. They’re charismatic and maybe even well-liked, but slowly, they start sidelining others. They ignore the committee's input, and before you know it, they’re running the show. You might feel annoyed but unsure of what to do. Here’s where you step up. Raise your concerns gently but firmly. “Hey, I noticed we’re not really following our usual voting process. Can we go back to that?” Encourage others to speak up, too. It’s about creating a culture where power isn’t hoarded but shared.

In essence, be vigilant. Whether it’s in a political context, your workplace, or your community, keep an eye out for people who grab power and don’t look back. Challenge it. Share the load. And if you ever find yourself in a position of power, remember the toy in the sandbox. Share it around. It’s not just fair; it’s the right thing to do.