“Power has to be insecure to be responsive.”
— Ralph Nader
Simplified Meaning:
When someone has power, whether it's a leader or a person in charge, they are more likely to pay attention to the needs and concerns of others if they feel their position isn't completely safe. This means that if leaders know they could lose their power, they work harder to keep people happy and respond to their needs. For example, a company manager who worries about losing their job if employees are unhappy will try to listen to their workers and make things better for them. On the other hand, if a manager feels too secure and thinks their job can't be threatened, they might ignore employees' concerns. By ensuring those in power feel a bit of uncertainty, they stay more connected and receptive to others. This can be applied in everyday life by encouraging accountability and feedback in groups or organizations to ensure that leaders stay attentive and caring towards the people they are responsible for.