The prospect of “human nature” is one with which we are all familiar. The inexplicable existence of some ethereal force -- some may call it God, others intuition -- that drives humankind towards the all-encompassing desire for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is beyond contestation. All individuals desire some element, whether it may be family or money or power that they believe will contribute to their well-being. It is in our very nature; it is the very essence of our existence. Indeed, the want, or lack of such desires constitutes the deviation between human and divine.
Many individuals are very content with conforming to society and allowing its inculcations to pass blindly from generation to generation. Yet, a significant minority wishes to be a catalyst for change, instigating reformation in a culture or society. This dichotomy is the very essence of our thriving, symbiotical race. It allows some to lead, most to follow yet ultimately produces an unbalanced human equation.
This apparent diversity not withstanding, I must agree with Mark Twain and his thesis in “Corn-Pone Opinions” stating that, collectively, human beings are virtual sheep, following but unwilling to lead humanity through innovation and as a result, leaving the burden of the nation, of the very race upon the un-easy yoke of a select number of Messianic figures.
Now, one must contemplate the possible cause resulting in such unbalance between humans, for while a plethora of individuals are pawns to those more influential than themselves, those who have taken initiative throughout history are those whom we remember, those who abolish slavery, discover new lands or build new nations. Yet, these brave individuals have been rewarded most unjustly for their deeds: Thoreau was imprisoned; Socrates was poisoned; Dr. King was assassinated. Obviously, people are afraid, even subconsciously, of reaping the rewards including even the potential...