The man described for us, whom we are invited to free, is already in himself the effect of a subjection much more profound than himself. A 'soul' inhabits him and brings him to existence, which is itself a factor in the mastery that power exercises over the body. The soul is the effect and instrument of a political anatomy; the soul is the prison of the body.

Summary

This quote by Michel Foucault suggests that human beings are already subjected to an external power and control before they even attempt to free themselves. The concept of a "soul" residing within an individual implies that it plays a role in maintaining power and domination over the body. Foucault argues that this "soul" is shaped by political institutions and societal norms, effectively becoming a prison that restricts the freedom of the body. This quote highlights the interplay between power, control, and individual subjectivity.

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