Humor

Epilogue

The recommendations in this brief guide address only the most blatant
nuts and bolts of despotism. In actuality, the undermining of a system of
governance more closely resembles the working of a virus or other
disease on the body politic. Take cancer, for example. What good is it for 
cancer to be restricted…

IX. Know when it’s time to leave

Sometimes the party really is over, and the reformer has to beat a hasty
retreat. Do not take it personally. Blame the unworthiness of the people. 
Say you’re ahead of your time. Point out circumstances beyond your
corruption. Or, when all else fails, remember the old…

VIII. Cross-dressing: From thug to statesperson

It is an unfortunate fact of life that reformers have a past that can retard the
acceptance of their vision. Please note that this is not a reference to qualifying 
real-world, executive experience. Few care about that. What we mean here are the…

VII. How to disguise mob rule as representative democracy

The general perception of mob rule (i.e. the clamoring unwashed masses) 
calling the shots is an enduring historical myth. “Power to the people”
slogans and other such nonsense are nothing more than smiley faces for 
the gullible…

VI. Scientists like money, too

History shows us that just about every person has his price when it comes 
to buying their loyalty. But for some reason, scientists are overlooked in 
regards to purchasing their personal/professional debasement. But don’t be
fooled — scientists can be persuaded, coerced…

V. Keep the peasants at each other’s throats, not yours

Some say that the “divide and conquer” strategy is old hat and ill-suited to
the modern era. But, after spending billions to engender a tribal mindset
among previously unified societies who is to say this is not the modern
era? People…

IV. Funny money: Make sure you’re the one laughing

Imposing monetary policies that erode financial and societal underpinnings
is a surefire way to get everybody’s attention. Initially, they simply create
uncertainty, but with continued reform, it becomes full-blown public panic.
Those who can…

III. Subvert the language: The rest is easy

Words that have a specific meaning are not reform-friendly. A specific
meaning can lead to benchmarks in which an action or concept is
assessed for its connection to reality or productivity. Real reformers know
that the real action resides in the…

II. The trains actually do have to run on time

You’d be surprised how many aspiring reformers overlook the fact that,
after the soaring rhetoric has faded, the public expects some level of
competence in government. Uncorrected, this easy-to-miss oversight can 
awaken the people from their…

Introduction

Modern political visionaries, whether they are global healers or regional
thugs, are reformers in a hurry. In their mad dash to perfect the human
condition, they tend to overlook issues critical to their careers and
longevity. By contrast, an ascendant visionary with a solid grounding in
the fundamentals…