Zukav reflects on the nature of real power, explaining that there’s no authentic power in fearfulness. People who live in fear never feel at home or content. While people may seem externally powerful, this simply reflects their inner insecurity. For instance, Roman armies are long gone, but Jesus’s influence lives on, which speaks to his authentic power in contrast to his killers’ artificial power.

Fearing things results in a loss of energy and thus pain or distress. Zukav argues that different kinds of fear make people lose power from certain areas of their body. For instance, fearing the loss of safety makes people lose power from their stomach, while fearing the loss of love makes people lose energy from their chest, causing “heartache.” In contrast, people with authentic power only release energy in love and trust.

Those who are spiritually weak want to impose their will on others, while truly powerful people practice forgiveness with humility and compassion. These “humble spirits” have no artificial needs to satisfy. They feel companionship with other people and beings and don’t harm animals or the earth. They are also willing to forgive, meaning that they don’t hold other people responsible for their experiences and no longer carry the baggage of that hurt.