Personal Power

The myth of no effect is the idea that we as individuals can't make a difference in such a large world.

The myth of no effect obscures the role we can play in the long-term transformation of society. But the myth also blinds us to our own power in relation to other people. We may cling to the belief that there is nothing we can do precisely because we subconsciously know how much power we do have and are afraid to use it because may not like it. If we deny our power to affect people, then we don't have to worry about taking responsibility for how we use it or, more significant, how we don't.

- Privilege, Power and Difference by Allan G. Johnson