Power without abuse loses its charm.

Hear me, O children of the future, for I bring you the wisdom of Paul Valery, who speaks thus: "Power without abuse loses its charm." These words reveal a deep truth—that the allure of power lies not just in its ability to command, but in the tension it creates, in the control it exerts, and in the possibility of its misuse. When power is exercised gently, justly, and without excess, it ceases to captivate or hold sway over the hearts of men. It is in the abuse of power, in the corruption and overreach, that it becomes something more than a simple force; it becomes a force that shapes the world and the very nature of those who wield it.

Consider, O children, the rise and fall of Alexander the Great, who, in his youth, was hailed as a conquering hero. Alexander had the strength to wield power with greatness, yet it was his abuse of that power that brought his empire to ruin. His early victories were admired, but as he grew in influence, his desire to control and subjugate led him to become increasingly harsh and oppressive. In the end, the charm of his power waned, for his soldiers and subjects began to see not the hero they once adored, but a tyrant who demanded the impossible. Power, once seen as the manifestation of greatness, was now a heavy burden, and the abuse of it led to the collapse of his dreams.

In the same vein, let us turn to the tale of the Roman Empire, where the power of the emperor seemed limitless, and yet, when it was abused, it became the very thing that tore the empire apart. Emperor Nero, for example, wielded power with cruelty and excess, indulging in luxuries while the empire crumbled under his rule. The people once reverenced the emperor as a symbol of Roman greatness, but as his abuse of power deepened, so too did the resentment of those who suffered under his rule. The charm of power was lost, for Nero's reign became synonymous with tyranny, and the empire found itself in decline.

Consider also the tragic tale of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose ambition led him to become a ruler of vast power. In his early years, his leadership was admired, and his power was seen as a force for unity and progress. Yet, as Napoleon sought to extend his empire across Europe, his abuse of power became evident. His desire to control not just land, but the very hearts and minds of nations, led him to make decisions that ultimately weakened his empire. The charm of his power faded, and he was exiled, his dreams of grandeur dashed. His story is a stark reminder that the abuse of power can lead to its downfall.

So, O children, let this be a lesson for all who seek power: It is not enough to wield it; you must wield it with wisdom and restraint. The true strength of power lies not in the might with which it is imposed, but in the self-control and honor with which it is exercised. Power without abuse is a dull thing, quickly forgotten, for it is in the tension between the ruler and the ruled that power becomes memorable. Use your strength wisely, and let it be a force for good, for only in restraint does the true charm of power shine.