Kevin Simler

Powerful people are powerful largely because they create network effects ("the more the merrier") among their supporters.

Warlords, politicians, CEOs, celebrities, and cult leaders all exploit network effects.

If you and I both support Hillary Clinton (say), it's to our mutual benefit. We get along better, trust each other more, etc.

@KevinSimler they also deliberately network with other powerful people. Good at joining the right clubs

@drethelin it's network effects all the way down :)

@KevinSimler Circle of Life: you join the best team, make yourself useful to the guys at the top. This makes you eventually at the top.

@KevinSimler in principle democracy short circuits this by giving power to people who make themselves useful to those at the bottom

@drethelin Love the "short circuit" metaphor. But is it new to democracy? Even Genghis Khan was (had to be) useful to the rank-and-file.