The power-holder himself must be made to exercise his power, and there, in many cases, lies the greatest problem. Is it not easier for the more independent party, when in doubt, just to hold back and let things take their course? Even the motivation of the one who transmits the selection is constructed and attributed only in the communication process. And because of his power, the power-holder himself will have successes and failures attributed to, and suitable motives imposed on, him, whether he wants this or not. Thus power does not become the instrument of an already present will, it first of all generates that will. Power can then make claims on the will, can bind it, can make it absorb risks and uncertainties, can even lead it into temptation and let it miscarry.

XREF: Inverts the commonsense view that will precedes power; parallels Foucault's idea that power produces subjects rather than repressing pre-existing wills.

Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, loc. 618