Ambrose Bierce: 'Anoint, v.: To grease a king or other great functionary already sufficiently slippery.'

Anoint, v.: To grease a king or other great functionary already sufficiently slippery.

In his quote, Ambrose Bierce provides a witty and satirical take on the act of anointing. According to him, to anoint means to grease or manipulate a king or other influential figure who is already adept at navigating their way through the intricate webs of power. This quote succinctly captures a common perception that those in high positions often possess an innate slipperiness when it comes to maintaining their authority. However, delving deeper into this idea, it raises a thought-provoking philosophical concept - the inherent slipperiness of power itself.Power, in its various forms, holds an undeniable allure. It grants individuals the ability to influence and shape the world around them. As history has shown us time and again, those who possess power often cling to it tenaciously, at times using underhanded or manipulative tactics to maintain their hold. Bierce's quote highlights an aspect of this power game – the act of anointing further greases an already slippery figure, allowing them to effortlessly maneuver their way through the complex realm of politics and hierarchy.However, the slipperiness of power is not solely a characteristic of the individuals who wield it. The concept goes beyond mere manipulation and into a broader understanding of the nature of power itself. Power, by its very essence, is fluid and ever-changing. It flows between people and institutions, adapting and evolving as circumstances dictate. Those who wish to remain in power must be adept at navigating this constant ebb and flow, recognizing when to seize opportunities and when to retreat. In this sense, anointing becomes not just an act of manipulation, but also a recognition of the inherent elusiveness of power and the need to constantly adapt and stay one step ahead.This philosophical concept of the slipperiness of power challenges the traditional understanding of authority and control. It suggests that power can never truly be grasped or contained; instead, it must be wielded with a certain fluidity and awareness of its transitory nature. Those who attempt to hold power too tightly may find themselves losing their grip, while those who understand its inherent slipperiness can navigate the shifting currents more effectively.Furthermore, this concept also prompts us to question our own relationship with power. How do we use it in our personal and professional lives? Do we seek to manipulate or control others, or do we recognize the need for adaptability and fluidity? By contemplating the slipperiness of power, we can gain a greater understanding of how it shapes our interactions and the potential consequences of wielding it irresponsibly.In conclusion, Ambrose Bierce's quote brilliantly encapsulates the act of anointing as a means of further greasing already slippery figures in positions of power. However, it also serves as a launchpad into a deeper exploration of the inherent slipperiness of power itself. This philosophical concept challenges our understanding of authority, forcing us to question our own relationship with power and encouraging us to navigate its currents with adaptability and fluidity. By recognizing the ever-changing nature of power, we can better grasp the complexities of the world in which we live and our role within it.