"Who Rebels? Who rises in arms? Rarely the slave, but almost always the oppressor turned slave"

This quote by Emile M. Cioran speaks to the power dynamics of oppression and disobedience. It suggests that those who are oppressed rarely rebel, however those who have actually been oppressors and become oppressed are more likely to rise in arms. This is most likely since those who have been oppressors have a greater understanding of the power dynamics of oppression and are more likely to have the resources and understanding to rebel. It also speaks to the idea that those who have been oppressed for a long period of time might have become resigned to their fate and lack the energy or inspiration to rebel. This quote functions as a pointer that those who have actually been oppressed need to not be forgotten and that their voices need to be heard. It likewise works as a warning to those in power that they need to not take their position for approved, as they might one day become the oppressed.