The Origins of the State

Nomadic raiders eventually systematize their relations with sedentary villagers. Pillage turns into tribute and rape becomes the right of the first night. Even if all parties assume they are operating by a shared moral code, that even kings cannot do whatever they want, but must operate within limits. If charitable donations become the basis for any sort of social relation, it will not be one based on reciprocity. It's quite the same if one gives candy to a child. This is what i mean when i say that hierarchy operates by a principle that is the very opposite of reciprocity.