Power is one of the strongest drugs in the world, and people within it can be categorized into two types. - Maria of Berlin

For many years, I have been observing people in power. Various individuals from around the world, predominantly in Ukraine, the USA, and several European countries.

These are very different people, with varying ages, nationalities, and viewpoints. However, there is something they all share. Power consistently has a detrimental effect on fragile, immature psyches.

For those unprepared, it exacerbates their worst flaws, primarily envy, vindictiveness, and pride.

People in power can mainly be divided into two categories: scoundrels who try to appear human and individuals who genuinely strive not to become scoundrels.

Surrounding both types are their subordinates, who in turn are split between those who sincerely congratulate the boss on their birthday and those who wish the boss wouldn’t see another birthday.

In general, sincerity and honesty in the world of political animals are the most valuable currencies. Only those who truly do not desire more power can afford them. Such individuals are quite rare, as power is one of the strongest drugs in the world.

Those who refuse it are either satisfied with what they have, unafraid of loss, and capable of stopping, or they do not regard power as a value in itself.

When communicating with military-political leaders at any level, I strive to speak not to their ranks, titles, or budgets, but to the people themselves.

I wish them well because I want good for myself. I make an effort not to poison myself with games. When you’re not playing at such meetings, you appear, at the very least, strange. Out of sync with the rules.

Typically, discussions at political negotiation tables involve one thing, while the thoughts behind them are entirely different. It is usually instinctively perceived who the predator is, what passions are in play, and how shared vices can be turned into situational alliances.

I try to express what I truly think. Not because I want to be holier than the Pope, but because it is the best thing I can do for myself and for the people I converse with. They are just as mortal as we are. Sooner or later, we all must face death. I want each of us to have something to leave this world with, peacefully and easily.

Often, in people's gazes, one can read, "this can't be real; you’re just playing at naive honesty, someone must be backing you."

I understand this basic skepticism, but over time it tends to fade. Those who know me longer come to realize that I am not pretending; I genuinely strive to be an honest fool in this terrarium. This is why I share my motivations with those politicians I sympathize with.

I explain why I am here and how important it is to rise above the hustle, to remember one’s own soul, and to practice wise compassion towards others, so that in the end, one can leave with a light heart.

I recognize how incredibly naive and insane it seems to speak in the Capitol, the London Parliament, the Cabinet, the Pentagon, or the President’s Office about the importance of preserving one’s soul. That the best thing we can do for ourselves in life is to prepare for death.

I do not know if I will manage to maintain this naive foolishness until the end of my life. But I hope to. For only in this way can I preserve myself.