The Path to Power

When I began to read Beowulf, I came across a quote that immediately stuck out to me. The quote read, “Behaviour that’s admired is the path to power among people everywhere.” This quote is used in Beowulf to illustrate how the warrior culture embraces the direct relationship between the ruler and the ruled. It puts an emphasis on the importance of the ruler’s admired behavior received from those that are being ruled over. I think that the reason why this quote is so significant to me is because I personally believe that it is entirely true. I think that I have lived my life by the words of this quote without ever setting eyes on it until now.

As a coach for the Oxford Golden Bears, the Alumni Assistant of the Amerikids, and an officer of many honor societies and activities, I know how to display myself and the appropriate way to act under each and every circumstance. I understand that my behavior reflects who I am as a person, and I ensure that the proper behavior is demonstrated at all times. I believe that there is a certain way to act, behave, and respond in various situations. Call me a woman of many disguises, faces, or whatever you may think, but I take pride in having the ability to adapt to each circumstance. I believe that this ability should not be shunned, but admired, and through my personal experiences, I have received such admiration. Due to my ability to adjust easily to different conditions, I have received a great amount of respect and admiration from both the people I work with, such as the coaches and advisors, and the people that observe my work, such as the parents, family members, and friends. Now you may be wondering, what does behavior that is admired have anything to do with power? Well, let me tell you. To have a person’s respect is to have a substantial influence over them, and this is equivalent to having the power to influence that person’s decisions, beliefs, morals, etc. Therefore, admirable behavior results in power.

I truly believe that this quote is true. Power is only achieved by displaying commendable behavior. If a person were to make irrational decisions at inappropriate times, respect would not be received by those below that person. Influence could be lost, and with no influence, no power is attained. I really enjoyed discovering this quote and diving deeper into how I myself feel about this debatable excerpt.