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The organ banks would be supplied for years. Not only would the crew have a full supply, which they always did anyway, but there would be spare parts for exceptional servants of the regime; i.e., for civil servants such as Jesus Pietro and his men. Even the colonists would benefit. It was not at all unusual for the Hospital to treat a sick but deserving colonist if the medical supplies were sufficient. The Hospital treated everyone they could. It reminded the colonists that the crew ruled in their name and had their interests at heart. And the Sons of Earth was dead. All but one man, and from his picture he wasn't old enough to be dangerous. Nonetheless Jesus Pietro had his picture tacked to the Hospital bulletin boards and sent a copy to the newscast station with the warning that he was wanted for questioning. It was not until dawn, when he was settling down to sleep, that he remembered who belonged to that face. Matthew Keller's nephew...

Larry Niven#14

PowerPoliticsControlHealthcareMedicinePropagandaSurveillance

About this quote

What does it mean?
A hospital supplies organs to the crew and colonists to reinforce the crew's rule, while hunting a remaining enemy.
In plain terms
Medical supplies help maintain power and control over the population while enemies are hunted.
What can you take from it?
Public services can be used to legitimize authority.

Where it applies

  • governance
  • public health
  • political control

Putting it to work

  • use services to build trust
  • track threats
  • balance care with control

Questions to consider

  • How do services reinforce power?
  • Can aid be neutral?

Another view

The quote assumes intent to rule rather than genuine care.

More from Larry Niven

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  2. Any citizen, with the help of the organ banks, can live as long as it takes his central nervous system to wear out. This can be a very long time if his circula…

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  3. From the beginning there had been a revolutionary group. Its name had changed several times, and Matt had no idea what it was now. He had never known a revolut…

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