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"power always whispers" Isn't this exactly the opposite of how power has worked for 99% of human history? In order to establish exactly who's in charge, rulers

"power always whispers" Isn't this exactly the opposite of how power has worked for 99% of human history? In order to establish exactly who's in charge, rulers and those in power have: - Toured their lands - Displayed strength via military - Distributed their likeness (coinage, statues, paintings) - Spread their messages via radio/television - Established themselves as the head of organized religion - Required homage - Positioned themselves as figures of veneration Historically, powerful lobbies such as the church, noble classes and guilds did the same types of things. In modern times, the same thing happens - Putin isn't particularly shy about his degree of power (but I suppose he is deceptive about his wealth).

yingw787 8y ago
Power must always be exercised to be retained, yes. But I doubt power must be publicly exercised in order to remain viable. And rulers never rule, they hold court, and they must retain the favor of the court to be viable. See "Rules for Rulers": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rStL7niR7gs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rStL7niR7gs I believe one example of this was how Napoleon III lost the favor of Alexis de Tocqueville, and hence was toppled as Emperor of France: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_de_Tocqueville https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_de_Tocqueville