Physical force cannot generate surplus value in other media like truth or love

Evidence

Because all these properties coincide, physical force achieves an exceptional position in the formation of power. In the combination of these features physical force is not superseded by any other avoidance alternative. At the same time, this combination of advantages remains limited to being used as an avoidance alternative. Thus it is and remains of a power-specific nature, and cannot, therefore, symbiotically form the basis for other types of media such as truth or love. … Herein lies one inherent limitation of power based on physical force, namely, although it can be utilized almost universally, it cannot exploit such attained ‘surplus value’ directly in order to gain ground in other media areas. — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 710

Categorization

• XREF: Relates to the reader’s theme of ethical abdication: if violence can’t convert into truth or love, then Darlington’s resort to force/authority signals power’s inability to ground morality.