Everyone has power. But it doesn't help if you don't use it.

In this profound statement, Sylvia Earle, the legendary oceanographer and explorer, speaks of the innate power that lies within every human being. Her words remind us that power is not the possession of kings, rulers, or the mighty alone—everyone has power, though many fail to recognize it. She warns that this gift is useless if left dormant, like a sword left to rust in its scabbard. For power is not merely potential, but action: only when we use it to shape the world around us does it fulfill its purpose.

The origin of this wisdom comes from Earle’s lifelong mission to protect the oceans. As one who has walked on the ocean floor and witnessed its beauty and fragility, she has seen firsthand the devastating impact of human neglect. Her words arise from a vision of shared responsibility. Just as a single drop can ripple across the surface of the sea, so too can the actions of one person inspire movements that change the course of history. In this way, she calls on all people to rise and wield their personal power for the sake of the greater good.

History offers many vivid examples of this truth. Consider Rosa Parks, who in 1955 refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She held no political office, commanded no army, and yet her simple act of courage ignited a fire that fueled the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa Parks understood her own power, however small it seemed, and by using it, she altered the fate of a nation. Earle’s words echo through such stories, reminding us that the power of one soul, awakened, can inspire millions.

The tragedy lies not in lack of power, but in inaction. Many people see injustice, destruction, or suffering and believe they are helpless to change it. This belief is the true enemy, for it allows harm to flourish unchecked. Ancient philosophers, such as Aristotle, taught that virtue comes through action—that to know the good but fail to do it is to betray one’s own humanity. Earle’s teaching carries the same spirit: to ignore one’s power is to abandon the sacred duty of being alive.

Ultimately, Sylvia Earle’s words are a call to courage and purpose. Whether protecting the oceans, defending justice, or nurturing communities, each person holds a thread of influence that, when woven together, creates an unbreakable tapestry of change. Let this wisdom be passed down through generations: power unused is power lost, but when one individual dares to act, they become a beacon for others. Just as a single light can pierce the deepest darkness of the sea, so too can one voice awaken the sleeping strength of the world.