Pierre ClastresThinkers

The Chief is, among the indigenous Amazonian peoples, not a commander, but one with a matter of technical competence in discrete fields oratorical talent, expertise as a hunter, ability to coordinate martial activities as well as the persuasive power of constantly renewed generosity.

Leadership is, among the indigenous Amazonian peoples, not a matter of exercising power over others, but more a matter of technical competence in discrete fields oratorical talent, expertise as a hunter, ability to coordinate martial activities as well as the persuasive power of constantly renewed generosity.

The State is a cold monster, a nightmare, a separate organ of power, cut off from society, dividing along lines of those who exercise and those who submit.

The State is at work even in the most primitive societies and the smallest band of nomadic hunters though it exist as that which primitive society directs all its efforts in preventing. It strives to prevent its chief from becoming a chief (and that can go as far as murder).