Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"权力就是能力"

Jordan Peterson
Jordan Peterson Psychologist
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
The idea behind "power is competence" is pretty straightforward. It means that true power comes from being skilled, capable, and knowledgeable. When you know what you're doing and can do it well, you have a kind of power that can't be easily taken away.

So, why would someone say this? Think about times in history or in your own life where people were respected and influential not because of their title or status, but because they were really good at something. In the professional world, for example, the most respected leaders aren't just those with fancy titles—they're the ones who really get their job and can guide others with their expertise.

Imagine you're at work and there's a problem with a project. Everyone's stressed, deadlines are looming, and then there's this person who steps in and just knows how to fix things. They don't need to pull rank or assert their authority; they simply solve the problem because they know how. That's power coming from competence. It’s like a master mechanic who can fix an engine by listening to it, or a seasoned teacher who can explain a tough concept in a way that just clicks.

Let’s get specific. Picture a young woman who joins a tech startup. She doesn’t have any formal authority—she’s not a manager or a team lead. But she’s a coding whiz. Anytime there’s a tricky bug, she’s the one who can fix it. Other developers start coming to her for advice. Soon enough, her influence grows. People listen to her not because they have to, but because they trust her skills. Her competence becomes her power.

Now, how do you apply this in your life? First, focus on getting really good at what you do. It sounds simple, but it’s true. Whether it's your job, a hobby, or anything else, put in the time to learn and improve. Second, share your knowledge. Help others when they’re stuck. When people see that you’re reliable and skilled, they’ll naturally look to you as a leader.

Here's a little story to bring it home. Think about a high school sports team. The captain isn’t always the best player, right? Sometimes, the best player is someone who’s just so good at the game that everyone looks up to them anyway. They know the plays, they know how to motivate the team, and they can execute under pressure. Even without a formal title, their competence gives them a kind of power. Other players follow their lead because they trust their ability.

So, next time you think about power, remember it’s not just about having a title or position. It’s about being really good at what you do. Hone your skills, share what you know, and watch how your influence grows. And hey, if you ever doubt it, just think back to that coding whiz or the star athlete—real power comes from competence.
Related tags
Ability Authority Capability Competence Expertise Mastery Power Proficiency Skill Strength
MORE QUOTES BY Jordan Peterson
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon