The frequent reader of this column must know by now that I deeply respect proverbs and wise sayings from all cultures and traditions. Yes, I do like to reflect on these everlasting sayings of wisdom, and the more I reflect on any of them, the more meaning unfolds from them.
Today our wise saying for reflection comes from the Native Americans, mistakenly referred to Red Indians. It never stops to amaze me how their proverbs and sayings exude meanings far beyond their time and culture. Indeed, that is what a good proverb does: its meaning transcends, time, location and culture. Its profound meaning is timeless, yet timely.
And that is exactly what we find in the meaning of todays Native American maxim: A human being has responsibility, not power. They have a similar saying: a good Chief gives, he does not take. The experience of my ancestors says that power corrupts, and in many cases, corrupt a person completely. Some powerful people, either due to immense wealth or powerful social or political positions, have been known to bring havoc and untold suffering to their people, especially the more vulnerable ones.
However, there are powerful people who have been, and who are, awesomely good to their people. They are humble and divest themselves of their power and wealth equitably, because they realize power and wealth are short-lived treasures.
The lesson here is that one should approach one’s power and wealth with humility and trepidation. You and I have seen people that seemed invincible and all encompassing, people who shook the earth under their feet, and yet, where are they today? They are no longer here, they have gone, never to return.
I am reminded of a story told by spiritual director Anthony de Mello which runs this way: an elderly person once asked a prince: whose castle is this? The answer was: mine. Question: who lived here before you? Answer: My father. Question: And who lived here before your father? Answer: My grandfather. Then said the elderly person: How can you say this castle is mine when everyone comes and goes?
Indeed, we come and go. It is wise that we use any power to serve others. The scriptures say: the greatest among you should be your servant.
And this is why Native Americans tell us that what we really have is responsibility, it is service, not power.
