The problem with ’empowering’ people, is that it implies a transfer of power from someone who has it to someone who doesn’t.

Why don’t they have it already?  How come you have it to give?  Where did yours come from?  How is it maintained?

Everyone has power.  They don’t always have the autonomy to exercise it.

Autonomy is much more powerful than empowerment.  Which is why it’s scary for the currently powerful.  And it’s a fairer bet for everyone.

HT to Gustavo Razzetti for the prompt.