Power

A quote I read by Abraham Lincoln said, “nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
I reckon what I hold to may be controversial but the quote reminded me of words to a song I like.  “Every man has his beliefs, his own point of view, on everything from big to small, Some of them we must defend with everything we’ve got, some of them don’t matter much at all.”
I was reminded of that as I hold to the point that in matters that “don’t matter much at all” and they stand between me and power, it is good to give the one in power what they want.
I can site two different cases.  One gave the person in power what they wanted and assumed a position of power themselves.  The other fought and changed  institutions and as far as I know is still fighting.
Where things don’t matter much at all someone in power can hold back a person who sees the world differently.  This can be to the point where one never assumes power and influence is diminished.
I question is “is it worth it” for a matter that does not matter much at all.  As someone has I think rightly said, “pick your battles.”  I ask myself does bypassing the inconsequential justify never confronting what matters?
My answer to that is no.  The one who holds the power holds the reigns for good or bad.  When it is for bad that seat of power can never be confronted when those with opposing outlooks are stifled before the real confrontation can begin.  All because of an unnecessary early confrontation.
The way I see things can be modified but I do think it is a waste to fight when a matter does not matter much at all.  Naturally to me that is the first step.  Power is the greatest test of character.