In David Mitchell's "The Bone Clocks," power is portrayed as a transient entity that individuals can momentarily possess but never truly own. It shifts from one person to another through various means like conflict, relationships, and luck. The pursuit of power is a common desire, provoking a diverse range of reactions—some people are fixated on it, while the wise ponder its enduring implications, as power can have significant moral and emotional consequences.

Mitchell likens power to a dangerous addiction, suggesting it can inflate the ego while simultaneously corroding the soul. Its unpredictable nature underscores the chaos it brings to history, as those who wield it can achieve remarkable feats or inflict significant damage. Ultimately, power is depicted as a force that transcends morality—it can create both beauty and destruction, leaving behind a complicated legacy influenced by the motivations of those who gain it.