Creating Policies That Don’t Create Happy Slaves

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“Happy slaves are the worst enemies of freedom.” — Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

A 19th-century plantation: Photo set in a 19th-century plantation of a group of enslaved individuals are taking a brief respite from their labor in the fields. They are gathered under a large oak tree draped with Spanish moss. Some are sitting on makeshift stools or barrels, while others stand. They share soft smiles and engaged expressions as one of them plays a handmade banjo and fiddle. The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a warm glow on their faces. In the background, the grand silhouette of the plantation house is visible, reminding viewers of their enslaved status. The overall mood of the illustration conveys a paradoxical mix of warmth, community, and the underlying reality of oppression.  

Introduction

In a world where freedom is often taken for granted, the subtle erosion of liberties can occur not through overt oppression but through complacency and satisfaction with the status quo. The Austrian writer Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach astutely observed that "happy slaves are the worst enemies of freedom," highlighting a paradox where contentment in subjugation hinders the pursuit of true liberty. This concept remains profoundly relevant today, especially as illiberal democracies—systems that maintain democratic facades without upholding fundamental rights—emerge and persist. This article explores the dangers of creating policies that foster "happy slaves," the manifestation of illiberal democracies in the modern era, and the enduring wisdom of thinkers like Ebner-Eschenbach in guiding us toward genuine freedom.

Understanding the Concept of "Happy Slaves"

The notion of a "happy slave" refers to individuals who, despite being under oppressive or restrictive conditions, feel content with their situation. This contentment stems from a variety of factors, such as indoctrination, lack of awareness, or basic needs being met by their oppressors. These individuals pose a significant obstacle to freedom because they have little motivation to challenge or change the existing system.

As Ebner-Eschenbach suggests, the satisfaction of the oppressed can be more detrimental than the oppression itself. When people accept their subjugation willingly, they become complicit in the perpetuation of their own lack of freedom. Their inaction not only hinders their liberation but also reinforces the power structures that keep them subdued.

Philosopher John Stuart Mill warned of this danger in his work On Liberty, stating,

“The despotism of custom is everywhere the standing hindrance to human advancement, being in unceasing antagonism to that disposition to aim at something better than customary, which is called, according to circumstances, the spirit of liberty, or that of progress or improvement.” 

When societal norms and contentment with the status quo prevent progress, freedom becomes an elusive ideal rather than a tangible reality.

Illiberal Democracies in the Modern World

The term illiberal democracy, coined by political scientist Fareed Zakaria, describes systems where governments are elected democratically but fail to uphold the principles of liberal democracy, such as the rule of law, separation of powers, and protection of basic liberties. In such societies, citizens may have the right to vote but lack genuine freedom due to censorship, limited civil liberties, and authoritarian governance.

In the first decades of the twenty-first century, illiberal democracies have risen in various parts of the world. These regimes maintain a veneer of legitimacy through elections while consolidating power and suppressing dissent. The populace may experience economic stability or nationalistic pride, leading to a sense of satisfaction that masks the erosion of freedoms.

George Orwell captured this phenomenon in his dystopian novel 1984, illustrating how authoritarian governments manipulate truth and reality to maintain control. He wrote, “Until they become conscious, they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled, they cannot become conscious.” This paradox emphasizes the difficulty of awakening a complacent population to the loss of their freedoms.


The Role of Policies in Shaping Societal Freedom

Policies play a crucial role in either fostering freedom or cultivating "happy slaves." When governments implement policies that prioritize control over empowerment, they risk creating a society that is satisfied with limited freedoms. For instance, providing economic benefits or social programs without accompanying political liberties can placate the population, reducing the likelihood of demands for democratic reforms.

Alexis de Tocqueville, in his seminal work Democracy in America, observed, “The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.” This warning underscores the potential for governments to use policy as a means of control rather than liberation.

Creating policies that encourage active participation, critical thinking, and the protection of rights is essential. Education systems that promote inquiry over rote learning, legal frameworks that safeguard civil liberties, and transparent governance are fundamental to preventing the emergence of "happy slaves."

Historical Perspectives and Philosophical Insights

Throughout history, philosophers and leaders have grappled with the tension between freedom and complacency. Immanuel Kant asserted, “Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-imposed immaturity. Immaturity is the inability to use one's understanding without guidance from another.” He emphasized the importance of individuals using reason and courage to seek freedom.

Nelson Mandela, reflecting on his struggle against apartheid, stated, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Mandela's words highlight that true freedom involves active participation in society and the upliftment of others, not just personal contentment.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. echoed similar sentiments in his Letter from Birmingham Jail: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Acceptance of oppression in any form endangers the broader pursuit of freedom.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach: A Legacy of Insight

Baroness Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, born Marie Dubsky in 1830, was an Austrian writer and noblewoman renowned for her psychological novels and aphorisms. Growing up in a noble family, she had access to education and intellectual circles that influenced her literary pursuits.

Her works often delved into the complexities of human nature and societal structures. Notable novels like "Das Gemeindekind" ("Their Pavel") and "Božena" explored themes of morality, social justice, and individual agency. Ebner-Eschenbach's keen observations of society allowed her to critique the subtle ways in which people become complicit in their own subjugation.

Her famous aphorism, “Happy slaves are the worst enemies of freedom,” encapsulates her belief in the importance of self-awareness and resistance to oppressive systems. By highlighting the dangers of complacency, she urged readers to seek true freedom beyond mere contentment.

The Contemporary Relevance of Ebner-Eschenbach's Insights

In today's global landscape, Ebner-Eschenbach's wisdom remains pertinent. The rise of authoritarian tendencies, even within democratic nations, poses a threat to individual freedoms. The encroachment on privacy rights, freedom of speech, and the press are indicators of this troubling trend.

Policies that prioritize security over liberty, or economic growth over human rights, risk creating societies of "happy slaves." Citizens may accept surveillance, censorship, or unequal laws if they believe these measures contribute to stability or personal well-being.

As Benjamin Franklin famously warned, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” The balance between freedom and security is delicate, and policies must be crafted to uphold fundamental rights.

The Imperative for Policies That Empower

To prevent the formation of "happy slaves," policymakers must focus on:

By embracing these principles, societies can nurture citizens who are not only content but also empowered and free.

Conclusion

The words of Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach serve as a timeless reminder of the dangers of complacency in the face of oppression. "Happy slaves" represent a important obstacle to freedom, not through active resistance but through passive acceptance. In an era where illiberal democracies threaten the foundations of liberty, it is imperative to create policies that avoid fostering contentment in subjugation.

Drawing from the insights of philosophers and leaders throughout history, we recognize that true freedom requires vigilance, participation, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Policymakers and citizens alike bear the responsibility of ensuring that societies do not settle for the illusion of freedom but strive for its full realization.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let us heed the wisdom of thinkers like Ebner-Eschenbach and commit to building a future where freedom is not just a word but a lived experience for all.

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Further read