Single Idea 5754

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 2. Freedom of belief]

Full Idea

The only way one man can exercise power over another is over his body and what is inferior to it, his possessions. You cannot impose anything on a free mind.

Gist of Idea

You can't control someone's free mind, only their body and possessions

Source

Boethius (The Consolations of Philosophy [c.520], II.VI)

Book Reference

Boethius: 'The Consolations of Philosophy', ed/tr. Watts,V.E. [Penguin 1969], p.70


A Reaction

Written, of course, in prison. Boethius had not met hypnotism, or mind-controlling drugs, or invasive brain surgery. He hadn't read '1984'. He hadn't seen 'The Ipcress File'. (In fact, he should have got out more…)