Part 10/13:
The conversation recognizes that humans are inherently selfish. Even well-intentioned leaders often succumb to compromises and moral lapses when faced with systemic incentives and corrupting influences. Jim paints a sobering picture: power tends to corrupt, and the longer one stays in a position of influence—whether in government, finance, or corporate leadership—the more likely integrity is sacrificed.
He advocates for a pragmatic approach: work within the system to improve it, aim for gradual change, and preserve the potential for decentralized control. He dismisses anarchist ideals as unrealistic, instead preferring a layered evolution toward smaller, more honest, and self-managed communities.