Power
The US President
has been often acclaimed in the media to be the most powerful man. At a simple
glance it appears to be true. Being the head of the most powerful Military,
backed up by expertise in Science, Technology, having the numero uno position
in world of finance, economy and being the hub of innovation. Decision taken by
the POTUS could spell the death-knell for many.
It's no wonder
that many of the dignitaries want a chance to schedule a meet with the POTUS as
they feel it as an endorsement of themselves never mind their political
affiliation.
Image Source: Wikipedia
However I have
always held it to be untrue. For me there are many other candidates who can be
comparable to the POTUS as the most powerful entities.
The Federal
Reserve Chairperson
Image source: Wikipedia
A worthy candidate
to be considered as a powerful person. Simple words spoken by him can create a
panic or prosperity in the world of finance which now rules the entire world.
Economies could be destroyed or created based on the decision that pertains to
the Interest rates that are determined. A tough economy could leave the
President looking weak and thus cause the attack of others on him. Many rulers
have been ruined on account of bad economic conditions leaving them looking
like lame ducks. The influence of Federal Reserve Chairperson extends far
beyond to other countries economic policies as well along with Global Economic
policy.
Corporates
Image Source: Wikipedia
With some
Corporations having capital that could dwarf many of the Countries Foreign
Reserves it is no doubt that they could also be considered as worthy candidates
of being very powerful. Many believe that Corporations control the world based
on their Economic might, proximity to the elite political circles, constant
efforts due to lobbying. On the basis of their economic might they could affect
the fortunes of many countries, lobby on behalf of some countries to change the
overall economic policies, bring about changes in the economic structures that
could prove to be quite beneficial to them in the long run. Many corporations
including those with Financial expertise could prove to be dangerous. Thus on a
hindsight the corporate Czars could be worthy candidates to be the most
powerful person in the world.
Intelligence
Chiefs
Image Source: Wikipedia
With the
revelations pertaining to the activities of the intelligence agencies it is small
wonder if they emerge to be high on this list on account of the knowledge they
possess. Various spying activities are done to increase their knowledge about
the behaviour of the target and thus gain more power. It is a little wonder
then if Journalists, Bureaucrats, Politicians feel intimidated by the Bureau
Chiefs. There exists a precedence for an Intelligence Chief to have been
feared, respected, loathed by all in the US
Academicians/Authors/Intellectuals
Image Source: Wikipedia
Many consider
Knowledge as being the ultimate source of power. On the basis of this Academicians,
Grass root level Activists et al could be considered as being worthy
candidates. The Academicians perform a very complex role that escapes the
attention of the society. Not only do they impart knowledge to the students and
society but they also keep abreast of the changes that happen in the society
and evaluate the consequences of the policy followed on the society. The
Austerity Program in the EU is followed on the basis of research undertaken by the
Economists. An eminent Economist is the RBI chief at present. Since
Academicians and even authors state ideas that influence the minds of the
people hence the saying “Pen is more mightier than the sword.”Besides nothing can stop an idea whose time has come.
Religious
Authorities
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Earlier the most
powerful entity was the religious authorities. They still do retain certain
vestiges of power. However not comparable to the scenario as before. But many
seek audience with them to further public acceptability and with a belief that
nearness to God along with remission for mistakes could be obtained.
Beauty
Image Credit: Wikipedia (The Birth of Venus)
It is very well known that many women (and even men) value Beauty. This is because they equate Beauty as being power. Those blessed with beauty can make demands and many kowtow to these demands as well. There have been many instances of Wars (not kidding , google about Helena of Troy), enmity caused in quest to gain the companionship of beautiful women. People have soft corner for those blessed with beauty. Something that is not accepted but displayed subconsciouly.
Beauty
Image Credit: Wikipedia (The Birth of Venus)
It is very well known that many women (and even men) value Beauty. This is because they equate Beauty as being power. Those blessed with beauty can make demands and many kowtow to these demands as well. There have been many instances of Wars (not kidding , google about Helena of Troy), enmity caused in quest to gain the companionship of beautiful women. People have soft corner for those blessed with beauty. Something that is not accepted but displayed subconsciouly.
But then it is
quite possible that there could exist candidates beyond those mentioned above
who are quite powerful.
Image Source: Wikipedia
For as once mentioned in George R. R. Martin's
"The Game of Thrones" by Lord Varys "Power is a curious thing... Some
say knowledge is power. Some tell us that all power comes from the gods. Others
say it derives from law...Power resides where men believe it resides...A shadow
on the wall...yet
shadows can kill. And ofttimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”
