Negative power versus positive power in controlling society

In today's modern western capitalist societies, control is exerted through positive power, where individuals are encouraged to be whatever they want to be and to constantly maximize their abilities. This positive power replaces the traditional negative power of prohibition and limitation. Byong Chol Han argues that this shift in power dynamics leads to a form of control that revolves around self-optimization and the constant pursuit of goals. However, this relentless focus on self-improvement can result in burnout, anxiety, and depression. The individual becomes both the master and the victim of their own self-imposed expectations, leading to feelings of never being enough.