The true essence of a dictatorship is in fact not its regularity but its unpredictability and caprice; those who live under it must never be able to relax, must never be quite sure if they have followed the rules correctly or not.

Summary

This quote suggests that the defining characteristic of a dictatorship lies not in its systematic oppression, but rather in its tendency to be arbitrary and unpredictable. In a dictatorship, people cannot afford to feel at ease or confident in their actions, as they are always unsure whether they have complied with the regime's ever-changing rules. This constant anxiety and unease create a state of perpetual control and fear, ensuring that those under the dictatorship remain submissive and compliant.

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