This quote from David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas wrestles with the nature of power and the motivations encompassed within its pursuit. The pointed inquiry—whether a man aspiring to power "thinks like a businessman"—hints at a pragmatic, calculated mindset often associated with strategic, but potentially impersonal, approaches to power acquisition and wielding. It evokes reflection on whether the ambition for power is driven by shrewdness, ethical considerations, or pure self-interest.

The three questions posed by Luisa amplify this exploration: the origin of one’s power, its use, and the means to remove it if abused. This framing is profoundly relevant in both personal and societal contexts. Power rarely exists in a vacuum; it demands scrutiny of its source—for legitimacy or manipulation—and evaluation of its impact, highlighting an ethical dimension to its exercise. Luisa's insistence on contemplating the removal of power from the "sonofabitch" implies a vigilance, an active responsibility to check power when it degenerates or becomes destructive.

In a world constantly negotiating authority, governance, and influence, this quote calls for introspection regarding the qualities and intentions of those who seek to lead. It challenges readers to think critically about power's lifecycle: acquisition, utilization, and accountability. Such questions underscore the timeless caution encoded within human experience—power must be watched and questioned lest it corrupt absolutely.