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[Ryrin]

Rank was determined among the Kin by age, the Aes Sedai by power.  Which is better and why?

 

 

 

 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO POST ONLY ONCE IN THIS THREAD AS IT IS USED FOR MONTHLY REPORTS! 

[Thane Vakarian]

rank should be determined by level of skill... so: power

[Crystal Tipps]

I would say that age is better because someone who is young but has a lot of power doesn't neccessarily have much life experience.

[LadyWordsmith]

If I had to choose between the two... I'd go by age, but not because of 'age' per say.

I feel that "gain in skill and knowledge" is more important than either. Since neither age nor power automatically gives you the skill to use what you have. 

In this case, age is more likely to have the experience (and the control, and the wisdom we would hope to know when 'not' to use something). 

 

[_Kynwric_]

Neither... 

[Wren of the Brown]

Age does not necessarily mean one has wisdom or insight and, sometimes it is the opposite. Fools persist in their folly and behaviors become deeply rooted over time.

 

Power isn't the best measure of a person, either. I'm going to go along with Lady Wordsmith's answer. Any system of rank which involves supernatural power should in turn attempt to measure an individual's capacity to act wisely and with restraint. Ethical considerations should also figure into the calculation of rank.

 

But, to play Dark One's advocate, age is an excellent way to break down and readjust deeply inculcated notions of power and privilege that are instilled in the White Tower's protégés. You can't change age and time is the greatest judge of all.

[U4ea]

I say neither. I'm a big fan of the experience idea, though the logistics of figuring that out sounds like a nightmare.

[Gudrean]

Age only because wisdom is gained through time/age.