Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

nuxvomica

(13,460 posts)
7. Cruelty is not so much the point as terror
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 04:55 PM
Jun 9

As H. Rider Haggard wrote in his novel She, published in 1886, in a chapter where the immortal Ayesha, called "She-who-must-be-obeyed", is preparing to torture her own people, against the protests of an English explorer, to maintain her authority:

How thinkest thou that I rule this people? I have but a regiment of guards to do my bidding, therefore it is not by force. It is by terror. My empire is of the imagination.

Trump's "empire" is also of the imagination. His cruelty is born of the fear he will lose power; a thinly veiled admission that he lacks true authority. He suffers from a major case of "imposter syndrome" and that's what makes him so dangerous. Haggard had his number way back in 1886.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Maxine Waters Calls Trump...»Reply #7