Anarchy Quote by Carey McWilliams
““A preoccupation with power - black power, student power, flower power, poor power, 'the power structure' - is the striking aspect of the American political scene at the moment. Oddly enough, obsession with power goes hand in hand with a fear of power. Some of the New Left groups that talk the toughest about power are extremely reluctant to see power operate in any institutional form; within their own organizations, they shun 'hierarchies' and formally structured relations of authority. What the preoccupation with power reflects, essentially, is a deep=seated, pervasive feeling of powerlessness.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Power and the New Left, 1970
Obsessive focus on power reveals a deep sense of powerlessness, leading groups to reject hierarchies while fearing authority.
In simple terms: Power focus shows insecurity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address underlying powerlessness.
Themes
politics
power dynamics
identity
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activist organizing
- policy advocacy
- community building
Key Concepts
structural analysis
psychology of fear
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we fear institutional power?
- How can we balance empowerment with necessary structures?
A Different Perspective
Rejecting all hierarchy may impede effective organization.
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![“Some [people] may be "servants of the power structure," but that has to be shown. I think it often can be shown, but the burden of proof is on the critic who puts forth that thesis in particular cases.” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a42/noam-chomsky-42_burden_some-people-may-be-servants-of-the-power_1167737.jpg)
