Power is the ability to influence events or other people. As power depends on the relationships between people, it can only exist by exposure to society and not in isolation. In his manual to empowerment, Greene teaches that acquiring power is the means to getting what we want. Aware that we live in a society where “it is dangerous to seem too power hungry, to be overt with your power moves” (24), Greene devises subtle, often underhand strategies that will enable us to manipulate people and remove obstacles to our progress.

Crucially, Greene describes power as amoral and therefore unconcerned about preconceived notions of right and wrong. Those who are to attain power will prioritize the circumstances of a particular situation rather than its moral aspect and play the characteristics of the moment to their advantage. Greene asserts that in the world of power, you judge not by intentions but by the effect of actions in the real world. Then, you plan your next move pragmatically, rather than in line with your ideals.

A court can is a social structure surrounding the person in power. Traditionally, it is the structure that gathers around a monarch and occupies the physical location of their residence.