The illusion of power: Why we must remain humane no matter our role

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres unveiling the statue of Nelson Mandela at the UN in New York in 2018. —Filepic/AFP

IN life, many of us take on roles that carry influence and authority – whether as judges, lawyers, ministers, CEOs, police officers, or public servants.

These positions command respect, sometimes fear, and often come with perks that give the illusion of personal greatness. But therein lies the danger: it is easy to be carried away by the outward respect and forget that it is the position, not the person, that is being honoured.