Part 5/13:
He expands on this idea, suggesting that bureaucracies prefer laziness and inefficiency because it benefits those controlling them. Adam’s point: societal flaws aren’t rooted in malice but in weakness and a lack of character, which could be remedied through better incentives rather than new taxes or regulations.
The Fragility of Public Virtue and Moments of Character
A recurring theme is the rarity of character in modern society. Adam reminisces about moments like Rosa Parks’ historic act, contrasting it with the comparatively trivial things that inspire public uproar—such as a child's act of returning a lost wallet being celebrated. This, he says, reflects a society that has lost its virtue, where small acts of integrity become monumental due to their scarcity.