If you want to know people
Observe how they are
When they don’t have to be kind
To get what they want
When they don’t need to be nice
To secure their existence
When they don’t have to put up a show
Of strength or weakness
To protect their safety and preserve their advantage
When they have you in their power
Within the boundaries of their Circle of influence
On their sovereign soil
At their mercy
This is when you know a people
This is when you know a human being
When they have the opportunity to do anything with you
And get away with it
This is when you know yourself –
When you have the opportunity to do something
And get away with it.
– Che Chidi Chukwumerije