About this quote

Power often rewards compliance and theater over actual intelligence. People in charge frequently prefer followers who do not ask difficult questions or think too deeply. Have you ever noticed how easily loud, simple ideas crowd out complex truths in a public debate? It is a hard truth of human groups that charismatic confidence beats quiet competence almost every time. You have to learn to spot this game so you do not get crushed by it.

When to use it

• When my colleague got promoted to manager despite constantly messing up basic tasks, I realized his main skill was just agreeing with the boss.
• During the homeowners association election, the guy who promised free pool parties won over the accountant who actually understood our budget crisis.
• I thought about how town councils operate when I saw the local board approve a flashy, useless statue instead of fixing the broken water mains.