Is humanity sliding back into conflict and cultural regression or are we standing at the threshold of, an era of peace, prosperity, and progress on every level?
I’ve been reading The Changing World Order by Ray Dalio, whose research into the cyclical rise and fall of empires is both sobering and fascinating. History, it’s said, never repeats itself—but patterns do. And for thousands of years, they have shaped the destiny of nations and civilizations.
Today, we find ourselves in a remarkable moment. Humanity is literally creating a parallel intelligence through AI—an evolution that will profoundly transform our world. Since the 19th century, the global economy has gone through repeated waves of disruption, followed by bursts of innovation and rapid growth.
According to Dalio, those who recognize these cycles early tend to emerge stronger, while those clinging to the past often struggle. History shows that generations shaped by hardship and resilience create wealth and progress—only for their descendants, raised in comfort, to grow complacent and begin the downward turn. The result? Rising inequality, social unrest, political polarization, and eventual fragmentation. Sound familiar?
The good news, as Dalio notes, is that downward cycles tend to be shorter than the long upward phases of creativity, optimism, and expansion. Each decline, though painful, clears the way for renewal.
So how can we prepare on a personal level?
Embrace change. Disruption is often a cleansing force, clearing the old to make space for the new. Shift your mindset. See the universe as working for you, not against you. Trust the seasons. Nature teaches us that endings are never final—they are part of a larger rhythm of rebirth and growth.
If we learn to move with the current rather than resist it, we may discover that what looks like decline is really transformation. Go with the flow of the river—and you’ll find yourself carried forward into the next great awakening.
Authoritarian movements are not historical accidents. They are the outcome of a long, steady erosion of the moral and spiritual foundations that once underpinned Western societies. The Judaic-Christian values that emphasized community, compassion, and responsibility have weakened, leaving a vacuum filled by grievance culture and divisive tribalism.
A growing number of people feel frustrated, aggrieved, and desperate as societies fracture between the privileged and the left-behind. Rapid technological disruption and sweeping social changes have upended long-held certainties. Entire communities have been dislocated, and the Covid-19 pandemic only deepened the sense of instability and loss.
Traditional institutions in education, religion, media, and politics have not addressed the alienation felt by millions. Students of history will recognize these conditions. Today’s authoritarian movements bear an uncanny resemblance to the turmoil and mass manipulation of the late 1920s and 1930s.
In A Preface to Morals (1929), Walter Lippmann foresaw the dangers of moral relativism and cultural drift:
“When men can no longer be the slaves of tradition, they must be the slaves of reason. If they will not be slaves of reason, they must be the slaves of their passions… And if each man is to judge for himself what is true and false, right and wrong, then we are already at the end of civilization.”
Authoritarian movements offer the illusion of safety and belonging. But instead, they further tear apart the fabric of civil society. Families, communities, and congregations fracture into warring factions, each loyal to its own tribe, and its own version of truth.
The Role of Media
Traditional media once acted as a civic compass, a watchdog of power. But in the digital age, social media algorithms amplify the most extreme, emotional, and divisive content. Outrage sells; nuance does not. Facts struggle to compete with feelings. In this climate, truth is no longer a shared destination but a weapon of personal or political gain.
The Sacrifice of Traditional Values
This is fertile ground for demagogues who distort Judaic-Christian values beyond recognition. Empathy is rebranded as a fatal flaw. Power is idolized; the weak and vulnerable are mocked as “parasites.” Even the medieval theology of ordo amoris—originally a call to rightly ordered love—is weaponized to justify a hierarchy of compassion: prioritize citizens over foreigners, neighbors over strangers. In this logic, cutting humanitarian aid for millions of people becomes not just acceptable, but righteous.
Yet most theologians, including Pope Francis, have challenged this interpretation. He reminds us that unconditional love lies at the heart of the Christian faith, and that true morality cannot be confined to borders or tribal interests. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches that love recognizes no boundary.
As former U.S. President Jimmy Carter once put it:
“It is the weak nation that must behave with bluster, boasting, rashness, and other signs of insecurity.” Strong societies practice humility. They uphold compassion, generosity, and justice—especially toward the most vulnerable.
The Choice Before Us
With traditional norms under siege and authoritarianism corroding democratic institutions, the burden of responsibility falls on we the people, every one of us. Troubled times, however grim, present a profound opportunity for reflection and moral clarity. There will come the realization that there is no hero coming and no savior on the horizon.
Change begins within—when individuals reclaim their agency, resist distraction, and choose courage over comfort. But it cannot end there. Lasting transformation happens when people come together, organize with purpose, and hold power to account.
For democracy to endure, it must do more than preserve procedures. It must recover its soul and the shared commitment to truth, moral responsibility, and compassion.
A democracy worthy of its name serves all people, not just the powerful elite. It confronts inequality, ensures access to healthcare, housing, and education, and defends the dignity of every human being. It protects the environment not as an afterthought, but as a sacred trust, recognizing that the future of life itself depends on how we care for the Earth today.
Democracy ultimately is not merely a system of governance. It is an expression of our collective values. And its survival depends on whether we are willing to live them.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker
P.S: If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my very latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and where all good books are sold.
Outside the United States, the dominant narrative often ridicules Donald Trump as a bumbling demagogue, rambling, incoherent, and detached from the nuances of governance. But this portrayal misses the deeper forces at play.
Trump’s rise was not accidental; it was engineered with the backing of ultra-conservative oligarchs who possess both vast resources and a strategic vision. These were not grassroots movements but top-down maneuvers with ideological roots and economic interests.
Read also my Blogs, some written well before the events currently unfolding
The erosion of the political center and the rise of polarization in the U.S. have been profoundly shaped by libertarian and conservative factions endowed with virtually unlimited funds. Billionaires like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk have openly stated that Trump’s ascent would not have been possible without their support. And their motivations are far from altruistic.
Both Thiel and others in this elite class have cited Ayn Rand as a formative influence. Her novels, widely read across the U.S., present a moral universe where self-interest is a virtue and government is the enemy. Rand’s rejection of regulation and welfare has nurtured a radical anti-state ideology that now animates the far right with their “deep state” conspiracy narratives. In her worldview, society’s value lies with the so-called “makers”—a few brilliant individuals who create wealth and innovation, while the majority are portrayed as burdensome “losers.” Here is an interesting background report to Thiel’s philosophy.
The disturbing elitist anti-democratic instinct
This elitist framing feeds into a disturbing anti-democratic instinct, where the “masses” are seen as lazy, entitled, and undeserving of political agency. It justifies an authoritarian approach under the guise of meritocracy.
Yet Rand’s extreme individualism stands in stark contrast to the core values that have historically bound societies together, such as empathy, community, shared responsibility, and spirituality. Her ethical framework, which pits rational selfishness against what she paints as servile altruism, ignores the vast moral terrain between those extremes. Most philosophers reject her ideology as an inadequate foundation for a just society. It fails to account for justice, compassion, and the relational fabric that makes us human.
Rand’s capitalism is idealized as a flawless, self-correcting system—blind to monopolistic power, environmental destruction, labor exploitation, and corporate manipulation. Within this context, the so-called crusade by Elon Musk’s “Doge team” to dismantle the “deep state” is easier to understand. It is not a battle for freedom—it is a push to eliminate oversight, regulation, and democratic checks and balances that constrain oligarchic power.
Truth is the first casualty
This becomes especially alarming when such immense power is concentrated in individuals who can bend public opinion to their will through control of social platforms and narratives. Truth is often the first casualty of authoritarian ambition, and we are witnessing this erosion in real time. Media outlets that deviate from the approved script are threatened with lawsuits or delegitimized outright.
What is unfolding in the United States will reverberate globally. Liberal democracies—already struggling to maintain the credibility of their institutions—are on the defensive. The far-right argument is gaining traction: that democracy is inefficient, corrupt, and too cumbersome to solve today’s challenges. Bureaucracy is cast as inept; public service is derided; the concept of government itself is being hollowed out.
This narrative is not unique to the U.S. During the Brexit debate, the cry of “freedom from Europe” resonated with voters convinced that Brussels was squandering British taxpayers’ money. That campaign triumphed, but the aftermath has been devastating. Brexit has curtailed travel, limited residency rights, and is expected to shrink the U.K.’s GDP by at least four per cent annually in the years ahead. It is one of the most self-destructive political decisions in modern European history.
The argument from the extreme right is increasingly explicit: benevolent authoritarianism is superior to democracy. But history tells a different story.
Vladimir Putin rose to power promising order after the chaos of the Yeltsin years. Over time, he dismantled Russia’s democratic structures entirely. Today, the wealth of the nation is concentrated in the hands of Putin and a small cadre of oligarchs, while dissenters are imprisoned, exiled, or killed.
Even so-called reformist authoritarians come with deep costs. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk modernized Turkey and established a secular state, but did so through repression of opposition and suppression of civil liberties. Deng Xiaoping lifted millions out of poverty in China, but maintained strict one-party rule and oversaw brutal crackdowns, including Tiananmen Square.
Ultimately, the question facing millions in this age of disorientation and instability is stark:
How much personal freedom are we willing to trade for the promise of economic stability and safety?
Authoritarians offer a compelling message: democracy is messy, crime-ridden, and overly tolerant of “the other.” They promise law, order, and security. But this is a mirage. There is no true safety in an authoritarian state. Free expression becomes a privilege of conformity. Those who think differently, worship differently, or challenge the status quo are criminalized, dehumanized, imprisoned, or worse.
Such regimes give birth to dystopias devoid of creativity, individuality, and hope. Citizens are reduced to obedient subjects, forced to idolize leaders who, in truth, hold them in contempt.
Authoritarianism doesn’t just erode the soul of a society but rewires its moral compass, hollowing out the institutions that hold truth, justice, and human dignity in place. Once that unraveling begins, rebuilding becomes a generational challenge.
It often follows in the aftermath of economic ruin, fractured communities, and the silencing of critical thought. The cost is not merely political; it is spiritual and cultural. What is lost is not easily recovered: the ability to dream freely, to dissent without fear, to imagine a shared future that belongs to all. The true danger lies in the kind of people we become under authoritarian rule.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker
P.S: If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my very latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and where all good books are sold.
It doesn’t take a coup or a dictator to kill a democracy. Sometimes, the rot begins from within, in slow motion and in plain sight.
Across America and other traditional democracies, the checks and balances that are foundational in free societies are being chipped away.
If history teaches us anything, it’s this: when authoritarianism rules everyone loses—freedom, dignity, truth, and the very social fabric that makes us human.
The grim reality of authoritarian rule
Envision yourself living in a country where even the mildest critique of the ruler could land you behind bars or strip you of your livelihood. The airwaves echo incessant hymns of praise for the leader, while simultaneously stoking hate towards both real and imagined adversaries. Meanwhile, your son lives in constant fear, knowing he could be conscripted at any moment into a futile war.
This is a grim reality in Russia and a growing number of countries, casting a shadow over the lives of its citizens.
Alarmingly, this pattern could potentially spread to democracies where generations have relished unparalleled freedoms, blissfully unaware of the true implications of authoritarian rule and its pervasive influence on society.
Across the globe, we witness a gradual erosion of fundamental liberties and democratic principles. Even within Western democracies long considered bastions of stability, nefarious political factions are becoming mainstream, posing a major threat to the established order.
The Democracy Index for 2019 found that democratic backsliding across the world has led to the worst score since the index was first produced in 2006, with only 5.7 percent of the global population living in what could be considered a “full democracy.”
A Berlin-based leading Civil liberties network has warned that the rule of law is declining across the European Union as far-right parties continue to weaken legal and democratic checks and balances. Liberties in entrenched democracies such as Sweden and Italy are in a gradual process of retreat and risk becoming systematic, according to the 2024 Liberties Rule of Law Report.
Democracy and civil liberties take many decades to be entrenched in society while it takes only one government to dismantle everything. Freedom of the press can be stifled overnight, opposition parties banned or intimidated, and judges and civil service members replaced with regime-friendly acolytes. All this has played out in Hungary, once a democratic country but now under authoritarian rule of Victor Urban.
The frightening scenario is that the process takes place gradually and incrementally with an electorate sleepwalking into authoritarianism.
We need only to look at history to understand how quickly basic freedoms can be usurped when a society fails to heed the warning signs. Adolf Hitler’s ultimate plan to extinguish the Jewish population with a German Reich controlling all of Europe was clearly outlined in his 1925 autobiographical manifesto “Mein Kampf”, compounding existing beliefs, fears, and xenophobia.
When opinion becomes an entrenched belief when truth becomes a lie and the mind refuses to accept an alternative idea or perspective, it is but a short road to authoritarianism.
Hitler’s explicit racial theories were openly portrayed in “Mein Kampf” and in his speeches before coming to power: Jews, Slavs, and other non-Aryan groups were described as subhuman and deserving of extermination or subjugation. His vision for a racially pure society involved the systematic elimination of “undesirable” populations that eventually culminated in the Holocaust. People in the mid-1920s failed to fully comprehend Hitler’s intentions for territorial expansion (Lebensraum) and the establishment of a racially pure Aryan state.
The suppression of dissent, the elimination of political opposition, and the manipulation of propaganda to indoctrinate the German population with Nazi ideology was introduced gradually. The policy of appeasement with influential groups of Nazi sympathizers in the United States, Britain, and other countries, eventually paved the way for one of the darkest periods in human history.
Authoritarianism goes against all human dignity and essentially gives power to a single ruler or small clique that inevitably ends up enriching itself at a terrible cost to the majority of the population. It is a one-way street where everyone loses.
Democracy can only endure when it is grounded in a robust system of checks and balances, supported by a vigilant and critical civil society. The authoritarian regimes of the last century unleashed unimaginable catastrophes, including two world wars and a genocide unparalleled in human history.
At its core, democracy champions freedom of expression, individual liberty, and tolerance. It allows you to fully express and live your potential without fearing repression and control by a state.
Democracy can be chaotic, messy and loud, allowing a platform and freedom of speech for everyone.
Yet, these very values are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation by extremists. Before we fully recognize the threat, power can fall into the hands of individuals whose sole aim is personal advantage, subjugation and control.
Authoritarianism, grounded in fixed belief and fanaticism ultimately creates a toxic emotional state, blending fear, anxiety, and anger. It fosters dehumanization, deepens political polarization, and fractures social cohesion.
On a personal level, it becomes a significant barrier to self-growth and spiritual evolution. In a rapidly changing world, adapting is essential for survival. Clinging to rigid beliefs not only limits personal transformation but also blinds you to the new opportunities and possibilities the universe continually offers.
A rightwing media ecosystem has created the dangerous illusion that a benevolent authoritarian regime creates a more stable, equal, and prosperous society.
A common misconception is that strong, centralized rule brings order and stability. The reality is far bleaker. Having grown up in apartheid South Africa and visited communist East Germany multiple times, I’ve seen firsthand how authoritarian rule breeds fear, stagnation, and deep societal misery.
Police brutality and oppression of dissent are commonplace
Although a small minority of white people in South Africa benefited from apartheid, it came at a huge price. With growing dissent and unrest coming from the oppressed black majority, state-sanctioned police brutality and oppression of opposition movements were commonplace. Every young white South African male was conscripted for military service after graduating from school. Many, including some of my own family members, are still traumatized today from fighting a senseless war in Angola.
Both South Africa and more so communist East Germany relied on heavy policing and informant networks. Friends, neighbors and even family members spied on each other.
When I first visited East Germany in the late 1980s, I was struck by the pervasive presence of the Stasi secret police, whose surveillance began the moment we crossed the border. The atmosphere was stifling—grey skies, empty stores, and a palpable fear that made any interaction with locals feel tense and uncomfortable. The waiters in the restaurants were unfriendly and even rude.
Scars remain etched in the collective psyche for generations
After the fall of the Iron Curtain and the reunification of East and West Germany, the scars of the communist era remained deeply etched in the collective psyche. The loss of national identity, coupled with an education system that falsely pinned the blame for Nazi atrocities on West Germany, contributed to a resurgence of fascist nationalism in the former communist regions, leaving a legacy of division and disillusionment.
When power dominates over kindness and compassion, it can take generations for a country to heal. People often adopt a survival mindset, prioritizing self-interest over community well-being. Corruption becomes normalized, and moral considerations take a backseat to personal gain, particularly prevalent in the former Soviet Union and its satellite countries.
Democratic countries in the long-term are far more successful economically. Free speech encourages artistic creativity. Free societies and open markets create a competitive environment with new innovations and technological advancement.
Democratic freedoms create happy societies
It is not surprising that the Scandinavian countries with strong workers’ rights, excellent social welfare, and lower income inequality, also find themselves on the top of the global happiness index. Finland has maintained the top position for six consecutive years, reflecting its strong social support systems, high levels of trust, and overall quality of life.
It appears that strong community bonds and supportive communities play a crucial part when it comes to longevity, mental and physical health. People thrive in democracies that are more sustainable, innovative, and equitable.
A system where the powerful rule, without checks and balances such as free media and rule of law, typically are prone to corruption, mismanagement, and crony capitalism. Control over media and education stifles critical thinking and creativity, slowing technological progress. In Nazi Germany, scientific research was distorted by racial theories with disastrous consequences.
Authoritarianism destroys human dignity
Authoritarianism may offer short-term order, but ultimately leads to oppression, destruction of all human dignity, social fragmentation, economic stagnation, and instability. Fear, oppression, and lack of autonomy contribute to widespread psychological distress. Political oppression, imprisonment, and violence leave lasting psychological scars, often lasting for generations.
Democracy despite all its flaws is the oxygen where humans thrive. The freedoms and values we enjoy in democratic societies are all too seldom cherished. To quote Martin Luther King: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.
“Like river tides and autumn leaves, All things must drift, all things must weave. No hand can hold the fleeting dawn, For what is here will soon be gone.” — Unknown
External events, such as elections and economic cycles, can easily consume all your attention, pulling you away from your true purpose and inner joy. You may perceive the world as chaotic, making it harder to focus on the person you are meant to become.
If recent political events have left you feeling disheartened, powerless, or overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Take comfort in the timeless wisdom: “This too shall pass.” Challenges are temporary, and no moment—good or bad—lasts forever. Stay grounded, keep perspective, and trust in your resilience.
The origins of the expression are unclear. According to Jewish folklore, King Solomon is said to have asked his advisors for something that would keep him grounded. They presented him with a ring inscribed with “Gam zeh ya’avor” (גם זה יעבור), which translates as “This too shall pass.”
The phrase has also been linked to several other traditions and later gained popularity in Western culture, and was famously quoted by Abraham Lincoln in a speech in 1859.
Lincoln made his remarks at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee, at a time of looming civil war, and rising political divisions over the slavery issue. He referenced an Eastern monarch who sought a phrase from advisors that would always be true in both good and bad times.
The answer he received was “This too shall pass away.” Lincoln used this phrase to highlight the idea that all circumstances—whether good or bad—are temporary.
The phrase serves as a powerful reminder to the wealthy, the powerful, and the arrogant that humility is essential, and success can be fleeting.
Just as nature moves through its cycles, life is impermanent, with good and bad times constantly shifting. Those who remain attached to power and wealth are especially vulnerable to these unpredictable forces, much like the changing seasons. They cannot be controlled.
Seizing back control when life becomes challenging
In the winter season of life, external events can at times be very challenging. But there are ways of how you can seize back control by focusing on those things that you can control:
Accepting a reality does not mean that you approve of it
You can control your response and your emotions to external events
Remind yourself that nothing lasts forever including challenging times
You can reframe your perspective into a question:
What can I learn from this and what opportunity may arise from this situation?
This is a time to build resilience by strengthening body, mind, and spirit. Falling into despondency and negativity will not serve you well. Try limiting your exposure to negativity such as negative social media and news events. Surround yourself with positive people and do things that boost your vibrational energy.
Practicing Gratitude
Being grateful for those things that are going well in your life can be a powerful tool of reframing emotions and feelings. Write down every day three things you can be truly grateful for.
Letting go of attachments to beliefs, perspectives, and emotions is a journey. Realigning with the rhythms of nature—listening to the wind, the rustling leaves, birds singing or the gentle flow of water—can be profoundly healing.
A deep walking meditation in nature allows for a reset, grounding yourself in the present moment. Whenever you feel weighed down, shift your focus to your breath. With each inhale, reconnect to your true self; with each exhale, release what no longer serves you.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.
History is often said to follow a cyclical pattern, where humanity repeatedly faces cathartic trials to achieve breakthroughs in collective consciousness.
Over the past four years, I have delved deeply into comparing the COVID-19 crisis with another pivotal catastrophe in human history—the Black Death of the 14th century.
Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, it feels almost surreal how profoundly it has reshaped our lives. The lingering effects of collective fear, anxiety, and uncertainty continue to ripple through societies, fueling political extremism and even the collapse of governments in several countries. And this, it seems, is only the beginning.
This journey of reflection and exploration has culminated in an exciting milestone: my upcoming book, Sages, Saints, and Sinners is set to release on April 8th. The novel delves into the historical echoes, human resilience, and moral questions that crises like these bring to the forefront. It will be available on all major platforms where great books are sold.
This project has been a labor of love, spanning four years of research and writing. During the lockdown, I felt compelled to explore irrational and sometimes inexplicable human behavior.
Scapegoating during times of crisis
In the 14th-century, those deemed responsible for the Black Death were quickly identified. The clergy framed the pandemic as divine punishment for “sinful living,” while a pernicious rumor accused Jewish communities of poisoning water wells. This led to horrific acts of violence, with thousands of Jews killed in baseless retribution. So-called witches, often midwives and healers, were burned at the stake.
When it became clear that even devout clergy were not spared by the plague, the church lost much of its credibility. In the same way the often haphazard way governments implemented the lockdowns during Covid has led to extreme distrust in all institutions.
If this seems primitive, consider how misinformation flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, spreading even faster than reliable facts. One widely circulated claim was that the virus had been engineered in a lab as a bioweapon. Another conspiracy theory blamed 5G mobile networks for the pandemic. Despite overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness, some argued masks were either useless or harmful. Others falsely believed that exposure to sunlight or high temperatures could prevent infection.
Misinformation and rumor hampering efforts to address a crisis
Similarly, medieval misconceptions about disease transmission fueled dangerous behaviors. Many believed the plague spread through foul air, leading to bizarre practices such as drinking urine or wallowing in filth to ward off illness. The correct assumption that the pandemic was spread by rodents was widely ignored. Observant authorities were finding that in clean areas infections were relatively low while they were highest in suburbs with a high rat population.
Across both eras, misinformation magnified fear and hampered efforts to address the crisis effectively.
Spiritual conflict and the weight of fate
In the novel, I have weaved the story around the two main characters Geronimo and Isabel whose bond is tested by spiritual conflict, the weight of fate, and the unforgiving realities of a world in turmoil.
When Geronimo is enslaved and Isabel, heartbroken, seeks refuge in a convent, their tragic journey unfolds, echoing the timeless struggles of myth and history.
I dare to say that the next few years are likely to be marked by an external world marked by geopolitical shifts, fake realities, and disruptive chaos.
It need however, not fill you with fear or anxiety. One principle of creation that we learn from Daoist philosophy is that a state of equilibrium and new beginnings is often preceded by a whirlwind of destruction and chaos.
With the universe forming the ultimate equilibrium, surface events often appear chaotic, but are inherently connected to a universal order. In Daoism, nature is often used as an analogy. A fire might raze a landscape, or a storm uproot trees. An entire landscape can be reshaped but space is also cleared for new growth and fresh beginnings.
In times of profound change, the wisest approach is not to resist but to adapt. The key lies in releasing rigid expectations and surrendering to the process of transformation with resilience and grace. By embracing simplicity and practicing non-attachment to specific outcomes, we can navigate transitions with greater ease and clarity.
While external forces such as geopolitical upheavals, natural disasters, and pandemics are beyond your control, the response to them is entirely within your power.
By focusing on what you can influence in your mindset and actions, you can empower yourself by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and discovering strength in the midst of uncertainty.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.
“The great cease to rule when the small cease to grovel.” (Friedrich Schiller 1759-1805)
Dictators, demagogues, and cult leaders excel at convincing decent, ordinary people that blind obedience and unwavering loyalty will miraculously transform their lives. The rude awakening inevitably comes.
Once in power autocrats and dictators inevitably exploit the weak and vulnerable for their own selfish needs. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is a typical example. He is purported to be one of the wealthiest people on earth. Meanwhile, his country’s infra-structure, health, and education system are collapsing while state resources are spent on imperialist wars.
In the recent U.S. Elections the power grab by wealthy oligarchs has been more subtle. Elon Musk, probably the world’s second wealthiest man, together with other billionaires (Peter Thiel, David Sachs, Rupert Murdoch etc.) control a large part of the nation’s tech and media industry (Twitter/X, Fox News). They injected more than two billion dollars into the Trump election campaign and now have a major influence on the country’s political agenda.
We are seeing an unprecedented symbiosis of politics, power and capital in the United States, German Professor Bernhard Pörksen, a media analyst, said in an interview with ZDF television. These libertarian ideologues “who despise the weak” are “pursuing their agenda on their own media platforms with extreme aggression, despising classic journalism and clearly threatening their enemies.”
Historian Timothy Snyder in his book On Tyranny, describes how democracies often erode not through sudden collapse but through gradual undermining of norms, laws, and institutions.
“The mistake is to assume that rulers who came to power through institutions cannot change or destroy those very institutions—leaving democracy in ruins.”
Spreading disinformation on their media platforms is part of the agenda. When the truth is turned into a lie and the lie into the truth the ordinary citizen, confused by conflicting information overload, switches off from politics, ultimately surrendering his basic freedoms and liberty.
In the short-term autocracies create the impression of stability through strong control of dissent and internal conflict. The reality is that without the checks and balances of a democracy power is inevitably abused, leading to inefficiency, corruption, and exploitation. Suppression of dissent and free thought stifles creativity, critical feedback, and innovation.
When the powerful become too powerful and economic promises don’t materialize, frustration can reach a tipping point. A single, galvanizing event can ignite existing frustrations and unify disparate groups against the regime, such as blatant corruption or fraudulent elections. Rebellion becomes possible when the population collectively believes change is achievable such as in the peaceful revolutions in communist East Germany, Czechoslovakia and Poland.
Nothing is more powerful than when individuals arise collectively in the realization that they can be masters of their own destiny. The pain becomes so powerful that people overcome their apathy, fear, and disempowerment, embracing a collective cause.
Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful struggle of collective civil disobedience against imperialist British rule remains a shining example of collective power that built momentum through incremental successes with strikes, protests, and legal rulings.
You as an individual collectively will hold enormous power in shaping your destiny when overcoming fear, and believe in the possibility of change.
The poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, remains a powerful declaration of resilience and self-mastery, speaking of the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity and the ability to control one’s fate:
“Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.
I had to read the headline twice to fully grasp what was happening: meteorologists in the U.S. have been inundated with abuse, including death threats, from conspiracy theorists accusing them and the government of manufacturing and controlling hurricanes.
This disturbing trend mirrors the threats scientists faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fake news spread claims that the virus was a hoax. Recently, I made the mistake of commenting on an article about the U.S. presidential elections, only to be bombarded with vile remarks and personal insults.
Violent threats are becoming alarmingly common, especially on platforms like Twitter, where safeguards against disinformation have largely collapsed since Elon Musk’s acquisition. Now, anyone with an internet connection can propagate wild conspiracies, with little to no oversight.
A key tactic of right-wing extremists is to vilify both independent and mainstream media, constructing a dystopian reality where truth is distorted into lies and falsehoods are presented as truth. By manipulating reality and eroding public trust in factual information, they create fertile ground for the rise of totalitarianism.
Hannah Arendt, the German-American political theorist and philosopher, best known for her works on totalitarianism, warned as long ago as six years after World War II:
“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (ie the reality of experience) and the distinction between true and false (ie standards of thought) no longer exist.”
Arendt’s concern with the fragility of truth in the public realm echoes today’s concerns about the impact of fake news on public trust in media, government, and institutions. When people no longer trust facts, they withdraw from democratic engagement and become vulnerable to authoritarian manipulation.
The reason why MAGA Trumpists and their acolytes such as Musk are targeting “mainstream media” is that Independent media is often at the forefront of exposing corruption, abuses of power, and misinformation, which might otherwise go unchecked.
Investigative journalism plays a pivotal role by digging into stories that powerful entities want to keep hidden. Independent media, free of government control, regularly fact-check falsehoods. Some examples include the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), The Guardian, and ProPublica.
PolitiFact is one of the most well-known fact-checking organizations in the United States. It is widely recognized for its Truth-O-Meter, which rates the accuracy of statements made by politicians, public figures, and media outlets. The ratings range from “True” to “Pants on Fire” for particularly egregious falsehoods.
Basic democratic freedom and liberty are being threatened in multiple countries. Authoritarian messaging is based on negativity and falsehoods to spread fear, anxiety, and division. The existing reality is exaggerated to much worse than it is. It promises the struggling working class a Utopian future. This future will, of course, never materialize.
Here are just a few examples of what you face if you allow authoritarianism to take control of your life:
Power is mostly concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small ruling elite. Checks and balances are eroded allowing leaders to act without accountability or transparency.
Authoritarian leaders use their positions to enrich themselves and their acolytes. Public resources are diverted for personal gain, leading to a lack of investment in essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Political competition is eliminated or severely restricted by changes in laws benefiting the ruling party. Opposition leaders may be imprisoned, exiled, or assassinated as we are currently seeing in Putin’s Russia.
Authoritarian regimes stoke hatred of “the other,” including ethnic and religious minorities, leading to social fragmentation violence and unrest.
Authoritarianism prioritizes control over economic liberalization, creativity and innovation. In the long term economies stagnate, and entrepreneurship is stifled.
Happiness is created by mindset and perspective. Foundational is a society with basic freedoms of democracy and expression. Authoritarianism ultimately has a devastating effect on every citizen. You end up being poorer, more desperate and living a life of quiet misery.
As Winston Churchill once summized: “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried.”
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.
Owen’s story is a deeply tragic one, echoing the struggles of millions around the world. As a child, he endured emotional neglect, bullying, and physical abuse. As an adult, he tried to bury his painful past through hard work and discipline, building what appeared to be a successful life and career.
Owen found love, married, and started a family. Yet, beneath this outward success, unresolved anger and emotional wounds began to surface, triggered by seemingly minor incidents. These flare-ups led to growing conflicts both at work and in his marriage.
His wife and colleagues were concerned and encouraged him to seek professional help. Viewing therapy as a weakness, he refused to confront his inner turmoil. Over time, his life unraveled. Owen’s marriage broke down. When his company faced financial hardship, he was among the first to lose his job.
Although he eventually found another position, it paid far less and left him feeling bitter and resentful. Instead of looking inward, Owen began to externalize his unhappiness, spending hours online, where he became engrossed in extremist ideologies. Political demagogues fed his grievances, reinforcing his belief that his problems were caused by others.
Rather than facing his internal struggles and taking responsibility for his choices, Owen clung to the promises of a political leader who painted an idyllic future. Sadly, this path only deepened his frustration, because here’s the truth: No government, leader, or external force can be held responsible for your personal mindset or choices.
Owen’s story may sound familiar—it could mirror your own, or reflect the experiences of someone you know. But there’s a way out of this cycle. Here are some steps to find peace and happiness in your life:
Forgive, love, and accept yourself: Life is full of challenges, failures, and setbacks. Take responsibility for your reactions to them. Blame won’t change your circumstances, but your mindset and approach to life’s ups and downs are within your control.
Discover your purpose: You’re here for a reason. Identify your strengths and ask yourself how you can contribute to the greater good. Meaning often comes from serving others and connecting to something larger than yourself.
Find a spiritual anchor: Whether through meditation, time in nature, or connecting with a supportive community, grounding yourself in a spiritual practice can provide comfort, clarity, and joy.
Practice gratitude: Even in the smallest things, there are always blessings to be found. If you can walk, see the sunrise, or enjoy a simple meal, there’s reason to be thankful. Creating a daily gratitude practice can elevate your energy and invite more positivism into your life.
Ultimately, happiness and fulfillment come from within. By learning to love yourself, you can shift your life to a higher vibrational frequency.
What are you emanating and attracting in your life? Are you the type of person whose company people enjoy? Do you light up a room with kindness, situational awareness and joy?
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.
Check out also the recent episode on the Living to BE podcast and Youtube with our special guest Matt O’Neill. The topic: Happiness is a Choice.
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