Monolithic systems breed conformity from "summary" of The Power of the Powerless (Routledge Revivals) by Vaclav Havel
The principle that monolithic systems breed conformity rests on the idea that in a society dominated by a single ideology or authority, individuals are pressured to conform to the prevailing norms and values. This pressure to conform is not always explicit or overt; rather, it is often subtle and pervasive, shaping the thoughts, beliefs, and behavior of individuals in ways that are not immediately apparent. In such systems, dissent and nonconformity are not only discouraged but actively punished, creating a climate of fear and suspicion that further reinforces conformity. Individuals who deviate from the accepted norms risk social ostracism, loss of status, or even imprisonment, leading many to suppress their true thoughts and feelings in order to fit in. This pressure to co...
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