At the heart of how we act (and how we are governed) lies a simple trick: redirection . When things get too difficult or unpleasant, we simply organize something shiny and exciting to distract us. This strategy works everywhere—from our minds to the world’s largest nations and corporations. 1. Ancient Rome: Bread and Circuses We’ve all heard of the Colosseum. Why did the emperors build it? It wasn’t just for the love of sports. When people are poor, hungry, and angry at the authorities, the best "medicine" is gladiator battles . While the crowd screams in the stands, they forget they have nothing to eat. "Bread and circuses" is the oldest way to make people look in the wrong direction. 2. Political "Fireworks" In politics, things haven't changed much. Is there an economic crisis or a corruption scandal? Expect an immediate grand parade, a national celebration, or the loud announcement of a "revolutionary" new idea. The goal is to create eno...
A competent advisor is more valuable than any fortune. This short aphorism drives home a powerful truth: intellectual capital and wisdom far outweigh material wealth in both importance and utility. It sounds a bit like something your grandma would tell you while handing you two bucks for ice cream, right? But if you think about it, there’s some serious, hard-hitting logic behind it. Money is just paper or digits in a banking app, while competence is the "software" that actually makes things happen. Here are some real-life scenarios for you to evaluate: Imagine a scenario where a pipe bursts in your bathroom, rapidly transforming your apartment into an indoor swimming pool. You could have a million dollars in your account, but in that exact moment, those numbers won’t stop the water. Could you please identify who knows which valve to turn and how to plug the leak within five minutes? That person is your personal Messiah. Their advice and skill in that moment are worth more th...