Autonomy leads to empowerment. We work hard to maintain a balance

Listen, O children of wisdom, to the words of Bobby Kotick, for they speak to the heart of what it means to live a life of autonomy and empowerment: "Autonomy leads to empowerment. We work hard to maintain a balance between collaboration and cooperation and independence." These words carry within them the profound truth that the freedom to act independently, to chart one’s own course, is not an end in itself, but a means to a deeper power—the power to create, to innovate, and to contribute to the world in meaningful ways. Autonomy, O children, is the foundation upon which true empowerment rests, and when combined with the forces of collaboration and cooperation, it unlocks the boundless potential of the individual and the collective.

Autonomy, as Kotick points out, is not simply the ability to act alone; it is the ability to make decisions that are aligned with one’s own values, beliefs, and purpose. It is the freedom to choose one’s path, to take responsibility for one’s actions, and to stand firm in the knowledge that your destiny is in your hands. To be autonomous is to be empowered, for when we take ownership of our choices, we regain control over our lives and can act with purpose and resolve. Autonomy is the spark that fuels creativity, that drives us to innovate and to push the boundaries of what is possible. But autonomy is not an isolated existence; it must be balanced with collaboration and cooperation, for no individual stands alone in the world.

Consider the great builders of the ancient world—those who constructed the Great Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, and the Roman aqueducts. These monumental achievements were not the work of one man or one woman, but the product of countless individuals who came together to collaborate in the pursuit of a common goal. Yet, each of these builders had a deep sense of autonomy in their craft. They were entrusted with the independence to perform their work in a way that best suited their skills and knowledge, but they did so in cooperation with others, building something far greater than themselves. This balance between independence and collaboration allowed them to achieve what seemed impossible, creating wonders that would endure for millennia.

In the world of business, the example of Steve Jobs and Apple speaks to this same principle. Jobs was a visionary who understood that true empowerment comes from the ability to think independently, to break away from conventional thinking, and to trust in one’s own instincts. Yet, he also knew that collaboration and cooperation were essential to success. At Apple, Jobs fostered a culture where autonomy was valued—employees were encouraged to think creatively, to innovate, and to take risks. But this independence was always balanced with teamwork, with the understanding that the greatest innovations came when individuals brought their ideas together and worked toward a common vision. The balance between autonomy and collaboration at Apple allowed the company to revolutionize industries and create products that transformed the world.

This balance between autonomy and cooperation is also seen in the philosophical teachings of Confucius, who believed that individuals should cultivate autonomy and integrity, but also place great value on the harmony of the community. According to Confucius, true empowerment comes when a person acts in alignment with their inner moral compass, but also considers the well-being of the collective. He taught that society flourishes when individuals are free to act with independence while maintaining respect for others, working together in harmony for the greater good. The teachings of Confucius show us that empowerment is not only about personal strength but about the strength of a community working together with mutual respect and cooperation.

The lesson, O children, is profound: autonomy is the key to empowerment, for it is only when we can make our own choices and take responsibility for our lives that we can truly unlock our potential. But true empowerment does not exist in isolation. It is found when we balance our independence with the ability to collaborate and cooperate with others, recognizing that our individual efforts are magnified when they are joined with the efforts of the community. To create and to innovate, to live with purpose and resolve, requires a balance—a balance between the freedom to act independently and the willingness to work together with others toward a common good.

Therefore, O children, remember this: seek the autonomy that allows you to live freely and to shape your own life, but never forget that empowerment is strongest when it is shared. Strive to cultivate both independence and collaboration, for the greatest achievements in life come not from acting alone, but from uniting your efforts with those who share your vision, your values, and your goals. In this balance, you will find the true power to change the world, to create a future that is bright and full of possibility, not just for yourself, but for all.