The illusion of power is maintained through obedience from "summary" of The Politics of Obedience and Étienne de La Boétie by Estienne de La Boétie,Paul Bonnefon
The power of rulers is not inherent, but rather exists as a result of the obedience of the people. Without this obedience, the rulers would have no power over the masses. It is the willingness of individuals to comply with the commands of their leaders that allows those in power to maintain their illusion of authority. This obedience is not enforced through sheer force alone, but rather through the subtle manipulation of the minds of the people. People are conditioned to obey authority from a young age, through education, religion, and societal norms. This conditioning instills a sense of duty and obligation to follow the orders of those in power, even when those orders may go against one's own interests or values. As a result, individuals willingly surrender their freedom and autonomy to the ruling class, perpetuating the illusion of power held by rulers. The fear of reprisal also plays a significant role in maintaining obedience to authority. Individuals are made to believe that disobedience will result in punishment or consequences, leading them to comply out of self-preservation. This fear is exploited by rulers to manipulate the masses into submission, ensuring their continued obedience and compliance. The illusion of power is further maintained through the use of propaganda and misinformation. Rulers control the narrative and shape public opinion to their advantage, portraying themselves as benevolent and just leaders. This manipulation of perception serves to reinforce the belief in the legitimacy of authority, solidifying the power held by rulers over the people. In reality, the power of rulers is fragile and contingent upon the obedience of the populace. By recognizing the true source of power - the willingness of individuals to comply with authority - people can begin to challenge the illusion of power and reclaim their autonomy. Only through disobedience and resistance can the people break free from the chains of oppression and assert their true sovereignty.
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