Why use your natural abilities to make someone feel bad? I just

Hear the words of the warrior of the ring, Kenny Omega, who declared with humility and vision: “Why use your natural abilities to make someone feel bad? I just want to be the guy who uses his power to be positive.” Though spoken by a wrestler, these words carry the weight of philosophy and the echo of the ancients. For they remind us that power—whether of strength, speech, or spirit—is not meant for cruelty, but for creation. True greatness lies not in breaking others down, but in lifting them up.

The origin of this quote rests in Omega’s calling as a professional wrestler, a sport that is equal parts combat and theater, where charisma, words, and presence are weapons as sharp as any blade. Many in his craft have wielded their abilities to humiliate, to dominate, to crush the spirit of rivals. Yet Omega chose another path. He saw that his talents—the gifts of timing, strength, and storytelling—could be wielded not as daggers, but as torches. His vision was not merely to entertain but to inspire, to show that even in battle there can be honor, and even in rivalry there can be light.

This truth has been echoed in the chronicles of history. Consider the tale of Marcus Aurelius, emperor and philosopher, who commanded legions and ruled an empire. With the vast power at his command, he could have ruled by fear and cruelty, as many of his predecessors had done. Instead, he strove to rule with wisdom and justice, writing in his Meditations that the highest calling of man is to act in accordance with virtue, to do good even when one has the power to do harm. Like Omega, Marcus Aurelius understood: true strength is measured not by how fiercely one can strike, but by how wisely one chooses to use the gift of power.

The meaning of Omega’s words is simple yet profound: each of us possesses natural abilities, be they intellect, eloquence, influence, or skill. These gifts can wound or heal, diminish or elevate. Many are tempted to use them for scorn, to mock, to belittle, to prove themselves superior by making others feel small. But such victories are hollow, for they leave only bitterness behind. Far nobler is the path of building, of encouragement, of shining so brightly that others find courage to shine as well. This is the power that transforms not only lives, but generations.

Yet let us not mistake positivity for weakness. To use one’s power for good is not to deny conflict or hardship; it is to rise above the temptation of cruelty. Even in battle, whether in arenas, marketplaces, or nations, one may fight with honor. Even in competition, one may strive without hatred. To be positive in the use of power is not to surrender—it is to triumph at a higher plane, where dignity remains unbroken and souls are uplifted rather than crushed.

The lesson we must draw is clear: guard carefully how you wield your abilities. When your strength is tested, ask not, “How can I harm?” but rather, “How can I build?” When your words are sharp, let them cut away lies, not hearts. When your influence is great, let it shelter the weak, not exploit them. For the worth of power is not in possession, but in purpose, and the noblest purpose is to leave the world brighter than you found it.

Practically, this means cultivating habits of kindness and restraint. Use your talents to mentor those who walk behind you. Speak in ways that encourage rather than belittle. Compete fiercely, but with respect. Create spaces where others feel stronger in your presence, not weaker. In doing so, you not only honor your gifts, but also ensure that your legacy will endure as one who built rather than destroyed.

So let us engrave Omega’s words upon our hearts: “I just want to be the guy who uses his power to be positive.” May we too seek this path—not only in the spotlight of arenas, but in the quiet arenas of daily life. For in the end, greatness is not measured by how many fell before our strength, but by how many rose because of it. This is the wisdom of the ancients, spoken anew in our time, a call to wield our gifts as instruments of light.