Huxley on American Politics
From Aldous Huxley: “The greater part of the population is not very intelligent, dreads responsibility, and desires nothing better than to be told what to do. Provided the rulers do not interfere with its material comforts and its cherished beliefs, it is perfectly happy to let itself be ruled.”This really does explain a great deal, at least about life in the United States. As long as the masses can afford to live in some level of comfort, it is foolish of us to expect them to become politically active to any significant degree.
That said, it’s possible that the 2024 presidential election may present an interesting counter-example. As we sit here, 10 months away, we notice an incredible level of animus when it comes to Trump–even from members of his own party. Traditional Republicans may be concerned that the GOP is rapidly establishing itself as a criminal enterprise, and thus untenable to their voting base.
You’re kidding about the Republican voter – right?
No, I think it’s possible that many Republicans will refuse to vote for Trump, simply because they’ve observed that he’s a criminal conman bent on destroying American democracy.