The Aes Sedai, now, and in the time of the Age of Legends, do not seek power as such. They seek knowledge, and beyond that, truth, that they might complete themselves, strengthen their souls. The purpose of the Aes Sedai is to seek the all, the whole. In this way they are the true philosophers in the world of WoT.

They seek to unify the nations, to promote peace and service. No petitioner is turned away from the Tower, and any man, woman, or child can have an audience with the Amyrlin herself upon request. This gives the Tower no power, no prestige, and indeed may give the Amyrlin an overly busy schedule. Yet no voice remains unheard, no request is too small for the Amyrlin herself. This demonstrates extreme humility, to my view.

The Aes Sedai live like nuns, as well, often living a life of solitude like the Whites, contemplating the nature of the universe in an attempt to bring humanity closer to the truth. There can be no nobler goal than this.

In their own ways each separate Ajah works to unify humanity. The Browns seek to unite human knowledge, consolidating it, and hope that in newfound wisdom the human race might become one at last. The Greens seek to defend humanity against the destruction that can come from both within and without: evil. The Blues fight for causes, always defending whom they regard as the righteous. The Whites seek truth in its most abstract form, of logic and philosophy. The Yellows promote peace and unity by helping others, solely devoted to the healing of the body, reuniting the body and soul. The Reds seek to stop the destruction of human lives by containing madness, which is always a destructive, chaotic force that attempts to rip life away into a maelstrom of confusion. The Greys seek to unify the nations into one, a peaceful utopian world.

Each Ajah seeks wholeness and unity, not power. Unity will not make us the Creator, but we may hope that it brings us closer to the Creator, in truth, purity, and the Light.

By the Grace of the Light,

Serafelle Sedai,
Keeper of the Chronicles,
Advice Columnist,
Bonded to Ben T-Gaidin,
Etc.