Noam Chomsky, in his book "On Anarchism," discusses the flawed notion that societies must either focus on winning people's emotional support or directly influencing their behaviors. He argues that this binary perspective wrongly assumes that we have the authority to choose our methods of influence, a right we would not extend to others. Such a stance is indicative of a broader issue regarding power dynamics and who gets to decide the means of societal control.

Chomsky emphasizes that the prevailing viewpoint within American academic circles often legitimizes this power to manipulate or influence others. He critiques this complacency, suggesting that it reflects an underlying belief in the moral superiority of those in power who presume they have the right to dictate the terms of engagement and influence over others.