Quote by Albert Camus
Every man needs slaves like he needs clean air. To rule is to breathe, is it not? And even the most disenfranchised get to breathe. The lowest on the social scale have their spouses or their children.
Summary
This quote suggests that in a hierarchical society, people in power require subordinates, or "slaves," to maintain their control and authority. The analogy of slaves being compared to clean air emphasizes the vital importance of domination for those who rule. It implies that ruling is an essential aspect of their existence, just as breathing is essential for survival. Additionally, the quote acknowledges that even those at the lowest social level can experience a sense of empowerment through their relationships with their spouses or children, providing some form of personal agency within the larger social structure.
By Albert Camus
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