The Epiphany

The systems on which people rely for the satisfaction of their most basic needs are now so complex that it is not realistic to expect the typical individual to understand these systems. The food system, the clothing system, the water system, the shelter system, the energy system, the defense system -- all of these are now beyond the understanding of the typical individual. Add to this the fact that media exist that make it simple for almost anyone to express an opinion, make a claim, dispute a claim, argue for or against a position. This includes, of course, opinions, claims, and arguments about precisely the systems mentioned above. If a publicist is sufficiently gifted in the arts of persuasion and can present himself/herself as credible, then almost any opinion, claim, or argument can be perceived as reasonable, given the fact that, once again, the audience is in no position to judge the basic facts or comprehend the basic processes under discussion. Under these circumstances, modern media and their use by vast numbers of "experts" and "informed citizens" virtually guarantee that consensus will never be reached regarding the basis for, functioning of, possible alternatives to, or appropriate policies for managing the afore-mentioned systems. In short, we face universal gridlock. Either nothing will be done, or nothing rational will be done.

And you thought it was only our legislators who accomplish nothing of value? Nope. We're screwed.