I hadn’t heard of this series before. Maybe it’s time for a modern remake.

A profound theme I got from this article was “no one is ever really in charge”. So true! Our political leaders — as well as the many, many, lesser managers in our society — really don’t know the future. They are making their best guesses and try to implement them. But no one can foresee the future results.

Another profound theme is the balance between individualism and conformity to group norms. Both are needed. Yet both can go in some very bad directions.

When we learn the principle of consultation, we start combining the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of all participants involved the decision. Rather than one individual, several great minds are coming together into one greater mind. Not only does this result in a better “best guess”, it reduces the chance of a “bad direction” being chosen.