@mattsheffield
yet they want to and keep their grip on political power nonetheless.

2/2

@mattsheffield
Sure, but going deeper, say to subatomic level in physics, doesn't mean that macroscopic reality is non existent, does it?

When trying to balance the forces at play, much is unclear of missing in your idea: one can't ignore real measurable forces and their dynamics in favor of non measurable subconscious urges. Economic and power forces are real and an end in themselves; not all powerful people are "inherently terrified of most things", some enjoy intellect and wisdom,
1/

@mattsheffield
Interesting. Though you seem to ignore economic interests and the need for assertion and preservation of power by the oligarchy in a rigged political system coming to a crisis, both environmental and political, where the accumulated enormous inequalities hang like the sword of Damocles over their heads, making their need to act now urgent. Scientists, intellectuals, their institutions and anyone who can think straight are no allies in such conditions. Isn't that reason enough?