Passive obedience enables tyranny to flourish from "summary" of The Politics of Obedience and Étienne de La Boétie by Estienne de La Boétie,Paul Bonnefon
Passive obedience, the act of unquestioningly following the commands of a ruler without resistance, plays a crucial role in the perpetuation of tyranny. When individuals passively obey those in power, they essentially grant them the authority to rule unchecked. This lack of opposition allows tyrants to consolidate their power and govern with impunity. The absence of resistance from the governed creates a fertile ground for tyranny to take root and flourish. By willingly submitting to the will of a tyrant through passive obedience, individuals inadvertently contribute to the erosion of their own freedoms and rights. They relinquish their autonomy and agency, becoming mere subjects at the mercy of the ruler's whims. This surrender of control enables tyrants to oppress the populace without fear of revolt or rebellion. In essence, passive obedience paves the way for the unchecked exercise of tyrannical power. Moreover, the widespread acceptance of passive obedience among the populace creates a culture of compliance and subservience. People become conditioned to follow orders without question, perpetuating a cycle of oppression and control. This culture of obedience serves to entrench tyranny further, as dissenting voices are silenced or marginalized. The normalization of passive obedience reinforces the status quo and hinders efforts to resist or challenge tyrannical rule. In this way, passive obedience acts as a linchpin that sustains and enables tyranny to thrive. It is through the collective acquiescence of the governed that tyrants are able to wield power without restraint. As long as individuals continue to passively obey those in positions of authority, tyranny will continue to tighten its grip and subjugate the masses. To break free from the chains of tyranny, it is essential for individuals to reject passive obedience and reclaim their autonomy and agency. Only through active resistance and defiance can the cycle of tyranny be broken, and true freedom restored.
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