One of the most important contrasts in modern culture is the distinction between the masses and the remnant.
And the distinction between these two groups always comes down to a willingness to seek the truth.
Albert J. Nock, in his 1936 essay Isaiah’s Job explains the difference like this:
“The Remnant are those who by force of intellect are able to apprehend these principles, and by force of character are able, at least measurably, to cleave to them. The masses are those who are unable to do either.”
The masses have been conditioned to expect quick and painless alleviation of societal problems.
They want to be praised and patted on the back.
When a truth is presented that challenges their worldview, the masses become petulant and demand that the message change to fit their whims.
The remnant, on the other hand, wants only the truth.
Their willingness to embrace and live truth is what brings stability and power to their lives.
When the masses are being swayed and manipulated to their own destruction, the remnant is not.
Reform movements are more prone to being co-opted, misdirected, or corrupted because they seek to manipulate or coerce the masses into adopting a particular point of view.
The remnant understands that real, lasting change does not come from the top down.
It comes from the painstaking work of reforming oneself first and then presenting society with what Nock referred to as “one improved unit.”
Find more truths and practices that bring purpose and peace at my official Hyde In Plain Sight page.