It is not possible to change policy without upsetting those who designed or who operate current policies, no matter how flawed or ineffective they have become. The rejection of Consensus theory can be seen as a rejection of political and religious leadership who do have a vested interest in encouraging adherence to the notion that “there is a right and proper way.” Such leadership is aware of the groundswell of realisation that after thousands of years the message of consensus has not prevented dreadful social events.

It is beholden on everybody to at least consider that the inherent nature of the human being is conflict. We have animal instincts and, unlike animals, an ability to act against them. This conflict is normal and learning to manage the resultant contradictions must become a part of everybody’s education. It must not be left to the leaders, self appointed or otherwise, or we shall all be the losers.

The layout of the book suggests that it is more a training manual for those who might be tempted to look at the world and say “it’s too late. There’s nothing I can do.” Well it’s not too late. If the world can just achieve a small shift in the attitude and action of it’s leaders then things will improve dramatically, but they will not change unless the ordinary people make it clear that they expect change.

Leaders need to look at themselves.
My intellect tells me: “tell the truth, at any cost.” The Little Man in me says: “It is stupid to expose oneself to the
Little Man, to put oneself at his mercy. The Little Man does not want to hear the truth about himself. He wants to remain a Little Man, or wants to become a little great man. Or wants to become rich, or a party leader, or commander of the legion, or secretary of the society for the abolition of vice.” 

Wilhelm Reich.  (1948