There’s a chasm between what people say, and what they actually do and think. Everybody lies. For example…

There’s a chasm between what people say, and what they actually do and think. Everybody lies. For example despite the trend for despising politicians, it’s abundantly clear people still look to them to lead. The most fanatical libertarians worship their leaders, like Trump. /1

The same happens with Covid, just look. ‘The science’ and the official public health advice barely changed. Wear masks, avoid crowds, ventilate etc. But the second politicians minimised these things, most people abandoned them immediately. /2

Including those who spend all of their time talking about politicians oppressing us. In fact, those apparent libertarians are the most slavishly addicted to authority of all people. Again, watch what they do, not what they say. They’d probably sacrifice a child for Trump. /3

Teachers (nobody ever asks them about anything) know this, as do good parents and managers. People want to be led, because life is complex and we delegate to others in everything we do. We don’t draw straws for who’s going to fly the plane when we go on holidays. /4

We have hierarchies of expertise and authority in every single aspect of human life. Society is social, this is how all social groups work. Trust is the glue. The reason people say politicians oppress them is the same reason teenagers say their parents do. /5

But they wouldn’t want it any other way. Good leaders lead, they don’t cower behind every momentary focus group finding. Those will always be fickle. /end