Power...

As I was watching Kanye West's New video "Power"-a modern, graphical nod to Greek and Roman Mythology...I noticed a long silver sword dangling precariously over his head...After a little research, it was revealed to me that this sword is the Sword of Damocles... As that classic tale goes. Damocles was the courtier to a tyrannical king. Day after day, Damocles showered the king with praise and spoke with envy of the power which he wielded. After hearing these incessant songs of praise from his courtier, the king saw that many did not understand the dangers of absolute power. So he suggested that Damocles switch places with him...A befuddled and shocked Damocles hastily agreed to the switch....The newly crowned king sent the swiftest messengers to inform his friends and family about his "kingship" for a day...His friends were invited to the finest feast...The opulence of the surroundings and the decadence of the fare stunned many. Damocles arrived to the scene fashionably late...After taking his seat on the gilded throne overlooking the court...He began to take in the elegant surroundings...His gaze began to drift up...until he saw something shocking...Directly over his head was a razor sharp steel blade...forged in the royal fires...And this blade was hanging by a single strand of horse hair...Damocles threw a glance of terror towards the king...who reminded him that he agreed to stay on the throne for a full day...Damocles eased back into the throne, but could not assuage his fear...He lept off the throne and quickly exited the room...his face red with shame...his pride lay battered and bloodied on the marble floors of the throne room...The moral of this story? Do not lust for power....because many that have it fear that someone may take it...