I last mentioned Dune several years ago. It’s said history doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme (like so many quotes, erroneously attributed to Twain), and here we are nine years later. Dune 3 is coming out later this fall, and that prompted me to reread Dune Messiah that I last read in college, which in turn led to Children of Dune, the next in the series, from where this comes.
A large population held in check by a small but powerful force is quite a common situation in our universe. And we know the major conditions wherein this large populace may turn upon its keepers—
One: When they find a leader.1 This is the most volatile threat to the powerful; they must retain control of leaders.
Two: When the populace recognizes its chains.2 Keep the populace blind and unquestioning.
Three: When the populace perceives a hope of escape from bondage. They must never even believe that escape is possible!
Like the initial quote from Dune, that would be enough, but the kicker comes a few paragraphs later.
The traditional way to counter growing unrest paraded themselves before Alia’s awareness: people had to be taught that opposition was always punished and assistance to the ruler was always rewarded.
Life imitates art. Art imitates life. And there’s absolutely nothing new under the sun.