quote:

ORIGINAL: Aswad

If someone registers as a peer, I will relate to them as such. Apart from that, I try to keep good intentions in mind, fully aware that intentions are entirely subjective. But the simple fact is that when a man averts his eyes from mine, or a woman yields and turns pliant, the biological mandate is in effect: we are complementary, and it would really be ludicrous of me to deny the role nature has reserved for me.

The real difference is whether you're going to do well by those that bend to your will, or simply use them, even use them up. I don't see an objective problem with either, but I'd probably interfere with the latter, and approve of the former. Personally, I really don't have a problem with skimming cream off the top, but it's not in me to be a tyrant.

Except, of course, in relation to those who seek just that.

Ask yourself what you would do if you became a god. Then ponder that, in times past, a god was a man who fully accepted his place as such. Of course, nowadays, people have other ways to respond than dropping to their knees to worship, and the cultural influence opposes such responses, replacing innate authority with assigned / conferred authority. Pop and media icons are exceptions, although worship doesn't involve kneeling.

Anyway, if you were to buy this explanation, or if you became whatever your notion of a god is, would you accept that role? Would you allow others to worship you? Would you allow them to serve at your feet? Could you take for granted the authority to direct their lives as you saw fit, in accordance with your own overall plan for them? What, in that case, would your plan be?

Personally, I'd like to think I'd have some moderation (why have a harem of millions when Jolie will do nicely, for instance?), and I'd like to think I'd be a more beneficial one than many that have been revered and worshipped throughout the ages, but there's really no question as to accepting the role: I'd do it, and not for the power itself. When I answered those questions for myself, a lot of things became clear.

I hope you can learn more of yourself in asking them, as well.