1984

“There are only four ways in which a ruling group can fall from power.

Either it conquered from without, or it governs so inefficiently that the masses are stirre’d to revolt, or it allows a strong and discontented Middle group to come into being, or it loses its own self-confidence and willingness to govern.

These causes do not operate singly,
and as a rule all four of them are present in some degree.

A ruling class which could guard against all of them would remain in power permanently.

Ultimately the determining factor is the mental attitude of the ruling class itself.’”