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Johann Kurtz's avatar

I really enjoy the way you mix between essentially academic content, in addition to journalism and interviews. It both draws people in and deepens their theoretical foundation. Thanks for the great output recently Auron.

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MatTehCat's avatar

Might it be said that the downfall of the elite is not due to its exclusive nature, but the quality of its exclusive nature? For example, an elite caste will gatekeep; yet they gatekeep in a particular manner. You suggest that nepotistic gatekeeping deleteriously insulates the elite from the undercurrents that hold them aloft. However, another group may gatekeep, as well, but they may do so in such a manner that does not deleteriously insulate them from the undercurrents holding them aloft. Thus, they are capable of changing with the times.

It doesn’t seem as if the desire to consolidate power is the ultimate cause of an elite group’s demise. Rather, the ultimate cause must be their incompetence. Both a competent and incompetent individual can desire the consolidation of their power, yet it will only be the competent individual that is actually capable of consolidating his power.

I.e., the elite do not close themselves off because they desire power. They close themselves of because they are incompetent, desire power, and do not think that they’ll preserve power for themselves if they do not close themselves off.

Really insightful piece!

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