The idea of God is the invention of a clever politician who saw that people are more thoroughly controlled by manipulation of their minds than they are by force upon their bodies. Foucault applies this insight (from Critias, but also Plato) to modern society.

Recommended Readings:

Critias fragment: http://bit.ly/31y2YRT

Foucault, "Panopticism," Discipline and Punish (3.3):

http://bit.ly/38aRuX0

https://amzn.to/31A5eI9