Power itself is reinforcing because it grants rewards and avoids punishments

Evidence

We cannot here go into the details of the forms in which meta-communication relating to power can be pursued. For our purpose we are mainly interested in seeing that distinguishing between code and process takes the form of a modalizing of communicative acts. This modalizing – and not, for instance, an ability, strength or potential inherent in the power-holder, and also not merely the means at his disposal – forms the basis of the fact that power is effective as a bare possibility, even without engaging the so-called instruments of power. — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 629 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Power is an addictive drug that shifts from serving dreams to serving itself. — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the…, 96; Efficient power governs by pleasing and making people dependent, not by forbidding — Byung-Chul Han, Psychopolitics: Neoliberalism and New…, 45; Power is addictive and eventually becomes its own end, perverting original purpose — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the…, 96 (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Power operates as modalized possibility rather than actual force or capability #complicates (0.74) — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 629