I would posit that there is a “grand illusion” at play — a lingering notion that elites continue to lead and the masses will follow. This historic model of influence was predicated on the belief that elites have access to superior information, their interests are interconnected with those of the broader public, and that becoming “an elite” was open to all who work hard. Rising income inequality, high-profile revelations of greed and misbehavior and the democratization of media have, flipped the classic pyramid of influence. The trust of the mass population can no longer be taken for granted, and any continuation of the “grand illusion” is dangerous for leaders in today’s world.
Which is why I always used to say “read the newspaper upside down” — until the papers caught on and started closing their comments…
