The Discourse of Exploitation and the Exploitation of Discourse

In: Alternatives: global, local, political, Volume 15, Issue 1, p. 29-52

Abstract

Nothing appears more surprising to those who consider human affairs with a philosophical eye than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few, and the implicit submission with which men resign their own sentiments and passions to those of their rulers. When we enquire by what means this wonder is effected, we shall find that, as force is always on the side of the governed, the governors have nothing to support them but opinion. It is therefore on opinion only that government is founded; and this maxim extends to the most despotic and military governments, as well as to the most free and popular.