Frankly, watching people unthinkingly respect authority irritates the hell out of me. It’s even worse when people are put in authority over me, make stupid rules, and expect me to conform to them. It is the nature of sheeple to cluster together and value conformity far more than individuality. It’s what predicts how people will vote. It’s arguably safer for the (short-term) survival of our species, however changes are seldom made and new truths are seldom promoted by sheeple. They may mumble and grumble about inequities, but it’s only those who are less governed by peer pressure and respect for authority who lead the charge. We call such personalities Alphas. But, Nature is wise. Sheeple far outnumber Alphas. A world filled with a majority of Alphas would probably self-destruct in a week.
It’s not easy being an Alpha. In the minority, Alphas often lose friends (and sometimes family). Alphas are quick to battle for truth (as they see it), but Alphas should pick their battles carefully. Truth can breed fear and hatred when it calls for change. A difficult, but important lesson for an Alpha to learn is found in a French proverb that states: "When one has one's hand full of truth, it is not always wise to open it."
Robert Brault notes: "In the end, who among us does not choose to be a little less right -- to be a little less lonely?"
And one final goodie from William James: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."
It’s winning the war that matters, not the battles.
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