# Legitimacy and Societal Relegation By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-08-05 Speaking with authority only gets one so far. In the beginning, one will be heard, and few will challenge if the idea is counter-intuitive or somewhat reasonable. The default nature of our programming causes this initial reaction. Speaking with authority hijacks the brain, and innate social factors play a dominant role. So, one may think they are more skilled and powerful than otherwise. One may even get a cult following from those who only look to follow influential people. But speaking with authority is merely a parlor trick. Once people notice the person behind the curtain, most will dismiss one as full of shit. The problem is that one has likely already gained a cult following, so now one has a choice. Is one truly full of shit or a brilliant leader? Facing one's limitations is a pain that most cannot bear. So, many think they are brilliant and will have endless reasons as to why this is the case. One will continue to speak with authority while being relegated to subcultures of society where the status quo is the enemy. This is where things get complicated, as we often discuss battling the status quo in the name of human solidarity and progress. Both the speaker of false authority and the speaker with a legitimate complaint end up being relegated to the subculture of society where the status quo is the enemy. How does one distinguish between true and false prophets? How does one know if one is full of shit or legitimate? If one truly considers this question, the odds are that one has some authentic, legitimate complaint and idea. The courage to be wrong and change one's outlook and behavior might be the most distinguishable feature of someone worth listening to. Otherwise, the person is likely full of shit and should be relegated accordingly. #### Related Items [[Society]] [[Authority]] [[Power]] [[Status Quo]] [[Leadership]] [[Full of Shit]] [[Reflection]]