Your oppressor has but two eyes, two hands, one body, and has nothing that the least of your infinite number of citizens does not have – except the advantage you give him, which is the power to destroy you. Where did he get those eyes which spy on you, if you did not give him them? Would he have all those hands to strike you with, if he did not get them from you? Those feet which trample upon your cities, where did he get them if they are not your own? What power has he over you, if it is not power you give him?
Slaves by Choice – Etienne La Boetie (1530-1563)