Kings, priests and aristocracies are rendered possible by the fact that, while some find pleasure in commanding, others find apparently equal pleasure in obeying.
Source: Bertrand Russell: Human Society in Ethics and Politics, 1954, part II: The Conflict of Passions, chapter 4: Myth and Magic, n.11
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The statement illustrates a causal relationship: 'The existence of social institutions and positions such as Kings, priests, and aristocracies is made possible by the fact that some people find joy in commanding, while others derive just as much joy from obeying.'
The United Kingdom is a democratic nation, yet it still has a King, priests under the Pope, and an aristocracy. In contrast, in Japan, the Emperor is merely a symbol of the people and not the head of state. Furthermore, there is no dominant religion or aristocratic system in Japan.
However, even in Japan, there are people who, 'while some find joy in commanding, others find just as much joy in obeying.' As such, there are individuals who could be seen as equivalent to "Kings, priests, and aristocrats." Who do you think these individuals might be?"
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