Inflation has the effect of exaggerating the risk of generalization with the danger of devaluing the tools available for motivation. On the other hand, deflation has the effect of not exploiting the opportunities for generalization, with the disadvantage that possibilities of transmission remain unused. Accordingly, in the case of power, a practice of communication which worked with empty or only rarely backed-up threats would stimulate inflation, for example the 'criminalization' of areas of conduct in which violations, in fact, cannot be pursued for reasons of penal policy. Similarly in money matters, 'slight' inflation seems to be a possible risk strategy which, however, does have the disadvantage of being anticipated by the persons affected and can be exploited for their own purposes.

Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, loc. 763