This article may end up a little “preachy,” but I feel compelled (or provoked) to speak up. A recent Gallup survey I read seemingly demonstrated a critical trend in U.S. political and ideological dynamics: the deep polarization between the major parties. While much attention focuses on the ideological divide between Democrats and Republicans, the data also somewhat showed us a less discussed reality—the silent majority and its role in shaping (or failing to shape) societal trends. I have touched on this before in articles, podcasts, and even videos, but I think it would be wise to unpack some of this a little more. By doing so, I think we can explore the hidden implications and maybe even spark a conversation about reclaiming power and responsibility from the extremes.

A Minority with Outsized Influence

As far as I’m concerned, one of the most striking revelations from the data is that liberals represent a minority of the population. Despite this, liberal ideologies—such as DEI initiatives, equity movements, Marxist feminism, socialism, etc.—have risen dramatically in prominence over recent decades. This rise has resulted in a rather interesting imbalance of perspectives and understanding among the masses.

As much as I would love to talk about that imbalance, there is something more pressing we need to address. Whether you like it or not, this disproportionate influence demonstrates the effectiveness of speaking up. Perhaps, better said, this data suggests that a vocal and organized minority is shaping cultural and political narratives. That says a lot, but it also raises an uncomfortable question: why has the majority remained silent and separated when speaking up and working together clearly gets the results? Better yet, why complain about what you see when you have done very little to change it?

Fear, Apathy, and Pareto’s Principle

The answer probably lies somewhere between human psychology and leaderology. The majority, comprising moderates, conservatives, and independents, appears paralyzed by fear—fear of backlash, of being ostracized, or of confronting uncomfortable truths. Perhaps it’s a mixture of them all. Of course, it could also be the majority’s lack of trust in leadership and each other, the strength of the machine’s propaganda, or simply the manifestation of Epistemic Rigidity. Another contributing factor is likely in how the majority struggles to support their own, especially if it doesn’t directly benefit themselves. That likely deserved an article of its own, but either way, I’m not sure I will ever truly understand that one.

Ultimately, I think Pareto’s Principle, which posits that a small percentage of actors often drives the majority of outcomes, is at play here. The loudest voices (and perception of power) dominate because the majority fails to stand together or act decisively. Of course, this fear is compounded by a lack of knowledge. You’ve probably heard that fear derives from ignorance. Well, the conservative class, once leaders in education and intellectual rigor, has increasingly turned its back on academia. Ironically, this self-imposed disengagement only cedes more ground to the minority in critical spheres like education, media, and policy-making. As I have often said, it’s a self-inflicted wound.

The Power of Astroturfing

Astroturfing—creating a false impression of grassroots support—has magnified the perceived dominance of the liberal minority. If the majority could learn anything here, it’s that through the strategic use of media and institutions, a small group can absolutely make the majority feel isolated and powerless. Powerful stuff!

Now, just imagine if the majority used the same tactics on the minority or even the machine. Understand that this psychological manipulation merely demonstrates the importance of critical thinking and collective action to counter such tactics. Things feel out of balance because they are. However, there again, that’s an education problem because critical thinking is typically NOT taught in the schools that the majority are forced to enroll their children in, which are, incidentally, typically led by the extreme minority. Understand that this problem doesn’t go away without your involvement. And let me be clear – I’m not talking about elimination. I’m talking about reestablishing balance.

The Individualistic Trap

Don’t get me wrong, I agree with Alice O’Connor on many things. For example, I probably agree with the idea that individualism, objectivism, and rational self-interest have moral purposes, and individuals should typically not sacrifice themselves for others or demand sacrifices from others. However, there comes a point when that attitude becomes counterproductive. Understand that it’s not an all-or-nothing situation. There comes a point when teamwork is more than useful, and this is especially true when there is a common cause.

The majority’s reluctance to engage collectively is a major factor here. The pervasive attitude of “handle it yourself and mind your own business” has absolutely fragmented the very people who could easily challenge the extremes. Family, teams, community, etc., are not exactly encouraged these days. It’s obvious that this trend is having a very negative impact on our society.

Let me rephrase that to be a little more actionable. Communication, teamwork, and a shared vision are conspicuously absent among the majority. Logic should allude to that outcome. Just imagine a sports team that lacks communication, teamwork, and a clear sense of its goal. It’s no different for this nation. Unfortunately, most couldn’t tell you the nation’s vision if their lives depended on it. Most are in it for themselves, and few are even willing to communicate with their neighbors. Making things worse is that the majority are often fed pseudo-leadership principles that absolutely undermine any real progress. But since it “sounds about right,” they simply go with it and then wonder why things didn’t work out.

Understand that without these elements, even a numerical majority becomes highly ineffective. Of course, to correct this, they must be willing to face some uncomfortable truths and inaccuracies, which most have been conditioned to avoid. Historically, the result is not good. Logically, the result is predictable.

The Irony of Education

Another layer of irony lies in the role of education. I have written about this before, but while the majority criticizes the minority’s dominance in academia, they have largely abdicated responsibility for participating in or reforming it. This is to say that conservatives often lament the scarcity of their perspectives in higher education yet actively discourage their own from pursuing academic careers or receiving a higher education. I don’t fully understand that tactic. How is the balance going to be restored with that attitude?

This cognitive dissonance only perpetuates a cycle of disengagement and powerlessness, and history has demonstrated this over and over again. Of course, I think it’s ironic that such lessons would have been learned had education been pursued in the first place. In my opinion, the best weapon ever deployed was the belief that education wasn’t worth the effort. The question you should ask is, “If that idea is truly a weapon, who deployed that weapon, and who did they use it on?“

Either way, we should all understand that history is fairly clear about how a civilization’s strength and survival largely depend on its people’s pursuit of knowledge and its leaders’ resolve to cultivate it. So, imagine my concern when I see the masses proclaim that education is ‘worthless,’ and when leaders and institutions degrade its quality, and then dissuade or even penalize those who still pursue it. The prelude is real.

The Independent/Libertarian Wildcard

Of course, I often say that if you’re given a binary choice, someone is probably keeping something from you. With this in mind, Gallup’s data also alludes to complexities beyond the binary divide of liberal versus conservative or Republican versus Democrat. The libertarian and independent movements, which blend aspects of both left and right ideologies, remain a largely untapped force. In fact, I would say their marginalization reflects another instance of a small group keeping strong, viable alternatives out of the mainstream consciousness, further constraining the real majority’s options. Despite the fact that the majority (average people) outnumbers all Democrats and Republicans combined, the majority still feels that a change is impossible and any vote in that direction would be wasted. Why? Who gave you that idea? Feel free to read the previous paragraphs again.

Reclaiming Power Through Knowledge and Unity – Your Call to Action

If you ask me, the Gallup survey is both sobering and empowering. Paradoxical, perhaps, but I say that because it shows that the majority is not powerless but has willingly ceded its influence. Reversing this trend requires a commitment to education, communication, and collaboration. Unfortunately, these are the very things that have been devalued and conditioned out of the majority. Granted, we could probably include toxic tribalism on that list as well. I’ll just be blunt and say that just because someone doesn’t agree with you 100% doesn’t mean they are your enemy.

Nonetheless, if the majority wants to save this place, they’ll need to find their voice and reclaim their role in shaping the future, not by turning the other cheek or avoiding education, but by standing firm, united, and informed. Of course, being truly informed is the key here. Valuing accuracy over ‘being right‘ is critical. Knowledge—both historical and contemporary—is a cornerstone of this process.

Furthermore, understanding the strategies employed by the vocal and extreme minority (left and right) can help the majority resist manipulation. On a similar note, reexamining and understanding history through an accurate lens can help answer some of the questions that hang over the heads of many. Just be prepared to discover that what you were told might not be accurate.

But here’s another nuance to consider. We know that the majority likely won’t do this. We know that because educational websites, channels, and podcasts get very little traffic. Despite being free education, few even bother. Better things to do, I suppose.

However, this gives you (the individual) a unique opportunity. Remember that Pareto’s Principle says that the majority of the masses will always be the masses. Furthermore, history says that the masses will always be largely ignorant. The good news is that everyone gets to choose which side of that line they reside. This is to say that being a part of the ignorant masses or the enlightened few is nothing more than a decision that anyone can make at any time. Similarly, I want you to know that a freedom-loving and educated minority can absolutely replace an authoritarian minority. We just need enough individuals to make the decision to choose liberty, accuracy, and education.

Of course, there is another tactic that we can use to soften the divide. At the very least, we can understand that the data in the polls demonstrated one thing – that the majority of the people are not extremists. Most people, left or right, religious or secular, gay or straight, or whatever else, are just ordinary people who want to live their best life and are doing the best they can with whatever cards they have in their hands. We can all relate, so perhaps we should try to relate.

With that in mind, perhaps we should stop treating everyone like they are extremists. I think these insights give everyone a unique opportunity to talk with their neighbors and see them as people. Fostering dialogue with neighbors and peers can rapidly dispel the myth that extremist ideologies dominate the majority’s mindset. Sure, some are still confused, and that confusion will persist for most, but we don’t have to agree on everything to get along. We just need a common vision of accuracy and liberty. My advice is to try to appreciate someone else for being whatever they want to be, so long as they’re not trying to shove it down anyone else’s throat.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I believe that most racial, social, or even theological divisions are fabricated by those who benefit from such divisions (ref: Active Measures). I believe that this is easily recognized by those who can think critically. I’m not divided from anyone on the planet who can actually think for themselves and is willing to exchange ideas. I contend that the only REAL social divisions that exist for thinking people are between themselves and the willfully ignorant… and the leaders that perpetuate that ignorance.

Be sure to read: Paradoxical Behaviors and Uninformed Advocacy