In this seminal work of social analysis, Bertrand Russell identifies the impulse for power as the fundamental driving force behind human society. Just as physics relies on the concept of energy, Russell argues that the social sciences must centre their understanding on the nature of power. He examines how this potent force manifests across various structures, ranging from the influence of priests and kings to the mechanisms of revolutionary, economic, and organisational control. By tracing how power transforms—from naked force to the subtle manipulation of public opinion—Russell provides a rigorous exploration of how individuals and governments wield authority. Crucially, the text addresses the existential necessity of regulating power within a rational society, offering a profound reflection on the ethics of leadership and the taming of dominance in an age of science and propaganda. This is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the underlying motives of our political and economic landscape.
Used (good, see images, some yellowing, some cover wear, some cover markings, and some initial pages marking) Softcover ISBN 0393004791
