Single Idea 19775

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 1. Slavery]

Full Idea

It is impossible to enslave a man without having first put him in the position of being incapable of doing without another.

Gist of Idea

People must be made dependent before they can be enslaved

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Discourse on the Origin of Inequality [1754], Part I)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.59


A Reaction

Ah yes. The key to running a slave plantation is not the threat of violence, but control of the shelter and food supply.