In Noam Chomsky's book "On Anarchism," he argues that for a society to maintain control over the public, it is essential to foster a sense of passivity among the people. This passivity should not only exist in political participation but should also permeate people's beliefs and values. When citizens are taught to accept authority without question, it cultivates a culture of submissiveness that benefits those in power.
Chomsky emphasizes that true political engagement is undermined when individuals become complacent and accept the status quo. To ensure a compliant populace, it is crucial to instill these submissive beliefs deeply within society, thereby creating an environment where challenging authority becomes increasingly difficult. This dynamic serves to reinforce existing power structures and limits the potential for meaningful political change.