To maintain your independence you must always be needed or wanted. The more you are relied on the more freedom you have.
greene, robert. The 48 Laws of Power.
The ultimate power is the power to get people to do as you wish. When you can do this without having to force people or hurt them, when they willingly grant you what you desire, then your power is untouchable.
GREENE, ROBERT. THE 48 LAWS OF POWER.
This is the model: Make others depend on you. To get rid of you might spell disaster, even death, and your master dares not tempt fate by finding out.
GREENE, ROBERT. THE 48 LAWS OF POWER.