The need for Power

Do you think that life is a quest for power over one's self? It seems like power is the main driving force regardless of direction for ones acts. Acts of selflessness can result in nothing except an improved exterior and self image. People will often tell you the most powerful influences in there life came from someone who wanted nothing in return. Do you think these threads are nothing more than a search for knowledge, a search for power?

This is a very intruiging idea- is knowledge power? its a cliche but there is truth in that statement at face value.
Indeed these threads are a quest for knowledge- we compare our insights and submit them to the scrutiny of others. We learn by discussion and interchanging of ideas...but does that boil down to power over the self....I am uncertain- perhaps learning leads to wisdom and wisdom inturn to discipline which allows us to control ourselves...

As far as selfless acts go if they improve your image then they are not really selfless are they- perhaps a truely selfless act must be done insecret even then it may not be selfless as the act may provide gratification for that individual...