Single Idea 23831

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 1. Social Power]

Full Idea

Prestige, which is an illusion, is the very essence of power.

Gist of Idea

The essence of power is illusory prestige

Source

Simone Weil (The Power of Words [1934], p.255)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'An Anthology' [Penguin 1986], p.255


A Reaction

It is hard to maintain illusory prestige if there is no actual power behind it.

Related Idea

Idea 23817 We need both equality (to attend to human needs) and hierarchy (as a scale of responsibilities) [Weil]