The Powers

Their intrinsic human qualities are what makes superheroes so interesting. They inspire us because they whisper us cathartic tales of our potential.

Everybody is born with powers that are unique to us. The border between strength and weakness is blurred: each trait characterizing us can be assigned one label or another depending on our own perception of reality, independently of where society places us. 

In psychology, it is commonly admitted people have a strong drive for power, not as in being able to control others—seeking such power is the powerless’ pursuit—but to acquire a greater freedom. I think, however, that this power we all desire originates from within, first and foremost: it is our skills, experiences, and the people we met over the years.

Only by fully learning how to leverage our own strengths can we start acquiring more freedom from other sources. 

Inversely, forsaking the powers that were given to us by failing to identify or nurture them is the surest path to unhappiness. The fish trying to climb a tree can only meet great frustration (even though trying is part of the process). But unlike superheroes, we aren’t born with one unique superpower: we are multipotentialites by design.