What lesson does Gulliver learn regarding power while in Lilliput?

Gulliver's experiences in Lilliput offer a critical exploration of how power can be perceived and exercised. Through his interactions with the Lilliputians, who are physically much smaller than he is yet possess their own forms of authority and governance, he comes to understand that power is not inherently linked to physical size or strength. The Lilliputians engage in elaborate political machinations and conflicts, highlighting that their power dynamics are shaped largely by their cultural perspectives and societal structures rather than any objective measure of superiority.

This understanding reflects the idea that power can seem arbitrary—dependent as much on social constructs, traditions, and individual perceptions as on force. Gulliver himself, despite being a giant in comparison, is often at the mercy of the capricious whims of the Lilliputian leaders, illustrating that one's status or size does not guarantee control or dominance. This complexity in the nature of power leads Gulliver to recognize its fluidity and the importance of context in determining who holds authority and why.