ABSTRACT
The three principal sources of power are moral, economic and political; and these can be abused through the use of fear, wealth and violence respectively. This chapter examines more closely the various methods of abuse of power, since while the legitimate use of authority gives freedom, its abuse results in the denial of freedom. The moral and social force of magic, not only in primitive cultures but also in modern states, lies in the crystallized sense of power. Magical beliefs are invariably associated with an important by-product: the belief in black magic or sorcery. The power of fear is also effectively used through fear of this-worldly consequences which result from a curse, excommunication, sin, and divine or sacred displeasure of a permanent nature. The beginnings of economic power are founded on wealth in the widest sense of that term. This brings us to the forms of economic oppression and curtailment of freedom.
