The convoluted wording of legalisms grew up around the necessity to hide from ourselves the violence we intend toward each other. Between depriving a man of one hour from his life and depriving him of his life there exists only a difference of degree. You have done violence to him, consumed his energy. Elaborate euphemisms may conceal your intent to kill, but behind any use of power over another the ultimate assumption remains: "I feed on your energy.

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About Frank Herbert, Dune Messiah

Frank Herbert, Dune Messiah.

Themes

  • Politics — Governance, civic duty, and the structures of power
  • Power — The dynamics of influence, authority, and leadership
  • Time — Reflections on the passage of time and how we spend it

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