"The most important thing about power is to make sure you don't have to use it"

Edwin Land's quote speaks with the importance of having power without having to utilize it. He is recommending that having power is not necessarily about utilizing it, but rather about having it as a tool to avoid needing to utilize it. He is highlighting the importance of having power as a method of avoiding conflict and keeping peace. He is suggesting that having power is a way to prevent having to use it, which it is much better to have power and not use it than to not have power and be required to use it. He is likewise recommending that having power is a method to maintain control and authority without needing to turn to violence or other forms of aggressiveness. In essence, he is suggesting that having power is a method to preserve peace and order without having to resort to utilizing it.