The Persian Empire had several rulers who had what amounted to absolute power, but two kings exemplified the qualities of great leadership rather than abusing their power, which helped sustain the empire.
Exploring the perspective of an ant colony-like society, the idea of progress and societal advancements are valued higher than individual progress. The discussion delves into philosophical questions about free will and the potential positive outcomes of experiencing societal reckoning and understanding, with a mention of Hitler as an example of a philosophical discussion point.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of contingency, choice, and different paths, rather than a fixed path that must be followed. Drawing from past experience, the speaker underscores the role of different alternatives and their concomitant outcomes.
The use of literature, film, and poetry can help individuals reimagine security and expand their understanding of the topic. It is important for the security apparatus to have the imagination to think outside the box in order to prevent past mistakes and inspire courage when faced with new challenges.
The assumption in modern democratic systems is that nobody can handle absolute power. However, looking back at the past shows us that emperors and kings did handle it, raising the question of whether or not anyone can truly handle it.