Need for Leaders

 

 

 

In his book The Age of Turbulence, Alan Greenspan wrote:

 

While each individual has an opinion, there is a visible tendency for much of society to coalesce around a common point of view, which often differs measurably from the choices of other societies. This I sense, results from the need of people to belong to groups defined by religion, culture, and history, which, in turn, is fostered by an innate need of people for leaders: of the family, the tribe, the village , the nation. It is a universal trait that probably reflects the imperative for people to make choices to govern their day-by-day behavior. Most people, much of the time, feel inadequate to the task and seek guidance from religious direction, the recommendations of family members, and the pronouncements of presidents. Almost all human organizations reflect this need for hierarchy. The shared views of any society, in practice, are views embraced by its leadership.

 

He was writing on the subject of The Modes of Capitalism but the need for leadership includes the church.