Character Quote by Omar El Akkad
““Rules, conventions, morals, reality itself: all exist so long as their existence is convenient to the preservation of power. Otherwise, they, like all else, are expendable.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: American War, 2017
Power structures create rules that exist only to preserve themselves; when they no longer serve, they are discarded.
In simple terms: Rules serve power, not truth.
Key Takeaway
Question the purpose behind norms.
Themes
politics
power
social constructs
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy analysis
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
convenience
expendability
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from a given rule?
- How can we expose and change expendable norms?
A Different Perspective
Rules can be manipulated for control.
