Martin Luther King Jr described power as “the ability to achieve purpose.”

His definition of power reminds us that power doesn’t need to be good or bad. It just exists. It is how power is used and how power is experienced that determines if power is appreciated or rejected.

In his description, King also gives power a purpose. He defines it as implementing the demands of love and justice. This purpose is based on the individual desire to belong and be treated fairly and King’s description is an invitation to use our power according to the purpose he describes.

It was his choice and doesn’t mean others need to make the same choice.

However, his suggestion may ease reflecting on one’s use of power and the purpose it fulfills. Doing so can be a useful way to become aware of one’s power as well as to choose how to use it.