The article explores the intricate relationship between political power and culture, arguing that before laws are established, power operates primarily through symbols that represent collective desires and prohibitions. This cultural framework, referred to as the cultural superego, shapes a society's collective unconscious—its shared beliefs and values. Such symbols and narratives manifest in forms like monuments, flags, and myths, allowing people to express their deepest longings and fears.

Moreover, the article highlights the psychological aspects of power, drawing parallels between individual unconscious desires and the collective experiences of peoples, including joys, mourning, and aspirations. It suggests that before collective power takes institutional form through laws, it first resides in the emotional and psychological fabric of the citizens. This interplay between individual psyche and collective governance illustrates how political authority is legitimized through cultural expressions that resonate with the society's collective unconscious, often without any apparent force.

Finally, the implications of this perspective are vast, particularly in understanding how social and economic crises, as well as military victories or defeats, can influence the cultural symbols that a society holds dear. These factors significantly impact the collective psyche, affecting how narrative and meaning are constructed in the realm of power, providing deeper insight into the political dynamics at play within any given culture.