In the realm of intellectual discourse, few thinkers have been as incisive and unflinching as Thomas Sowell. His essay, "Power to the Parasites," offers a compelling critique of the bureaucratic systems that govern our societies. It is a critique that, in the light of recent global events, demands our attention more than ever.
Sowell's metaphor of the bureaucrat as a parasite is a powerful one. The parasite, by its very nature, survives and thrives by leeching off its host, contributing nothing of value in return. Similarly, Sowell argues, the bureaucrat often exists not to serve the public good, but to perpetuate their own power and influence. They create and enforce rules and regulations that serve their interests, often at the expense of those they are supposed to serve.
This parasitic dynamic has been thrown into sharp relief by the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus, like a parasite, requires a host to survive and thrive. It is a force of nature, indifferent to the suffering it causes. But the response to the virus, shaped by the bureaucrats in charge of international health systems, seemed to mirror the virus's parasitic nature.
In their efforts to control the spread of the virus, these bureaucrats have often elevated its severity and power. They have imposed restrictions and lockdowns that have caused immense economic and social disruption. They have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that has given them unprecedented control over our lives.
This is not to say that the virus is not a serious threat to the very vulnerable, or that reasonable measures to control its spread, like isolating the vulnerable, are not necessary. But it is to say that the response to the virus has seemed to serve the interests of the bureaucrats more than the interests of the public. The irony is that in their efforts to protect us from a parasite, they have acted like parasites themselves.
This is a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked bureaucratic power. It is a reminder that those who hold power, no matter how noble their intentions, are always at risk of becoming parasites. It is a reminder that we must always be vigilant, always question, always hold those in power to account.
Sowell's "Power to the Parasites" is a call to action. It is a call to resist the encroachment of bureaucratic power, to demand transparency and accountability, to insist on a government that serves the people, not itself. It is a call that, in these challenging times, we cannot afford to ignore.
In the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster." Let us ensure that in our fight against the parasitic virus, we do not allow our protectors to become parasites themselves. From the author.
The opinions and statements are those of Sam Wilks and do not necessarily represent whom Sam Consults or contracts to. Sam Wilks is a skilled and experienced Security Consultant with almost 3 decades of expertise in the fields of Real estate, Security, and the hospitality/gaming industry. His knowledge and practical experience have made him a valuable asset to many organizations looking to enhance their security measures and provide a safe and secure environment for their clients and staff.
Where did you find this essay? I would like to read it. Thank you