Powerful people are powerful largely because they create network effects ("the more the merrier") among their supporters.
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Warlords, politicians, CEOs, celebrities, and cult leaders all exploit network effects.
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If you and I both support Hillary Clinton (say), it's to our mutual benefit. We get along better, trust each other more, etc.
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But you don't need an actual, live human being to unlock these network effects. Dead ancestors, gods, and other idols work the same magic.
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They work better than living people. Bill Cosby for example.

