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Single Idea 15041

[from 'Truth and Power (interview)' by Michel Foucault, in 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 1. Social Power ]

Full Idea

If power was only repressive, would we obey it? What makes power accepted is the fact …that it also traverses and produces things, it induces pleasure, forms knowledge, produces discourse.

Gist of Idea

Power doesn't just repress, but entices us with pleasure, artefacts, knowledge and discourse

Source

Michel Foucault (Truth and Power (interview) [1976], p.120)

Book Reference

Foucault,Michel: 'Essential Works 1954-1984 3: Power', ed/tr. Faubion,J [Penguin 2002], p.120


A Reaction

Once you present 'power' this way, it permeates so deeply into human activity that it is in danger of becoming a mere triviality of social analysis. Is every conversation that ever took place actually a power struggle?