Who You Know

Everyone is familiar with that cynical, popular adage that it is who you know, not what you know that gets you ahead in this world.


What evidence is there that this adage describes social reality? I have done know research or read sociological treatises or studies on the subject, but anecdotal input, my own experience, observations and hunches suggest that it is largely fact.

The who-you-know part of the adage alludes to the majority, nonindivuators and group-livers. They have not done much or know not very much, but they are the vast majority and they run things. They have it all sewed up, and have no incentive to change anything. Those that join, suck up, sell out and say yes to all group ideas are the ones invited in, and are moved up the ladder to wealth, position and social prosperity.

Those that conform not, think for themselves and do on their own, will be kept back and down, For them social and career advancement is slow and painful at best. The individuators are the what-you-know aspect of the adage.

When joiners sees the brutal rejection and mistreatment of the advanced loners that is dished about by the cruel, corrupt mob, they fall quickly and quietly into line--even joining in persecuting the dissidents to curry insider rewards and favor--and that is the intent meted out by the majority upon all stragglers and malcontents.

The what-you-know crowd lack access, sponsorship, equal opportunity, money, power, adulation, positive feedback, recognition, etc. They are kept down and back.

Thus, the sleeping, mediocre majority hold back human advancement, much retarding the humanitarian march to enlightenment and earthly Nirvana.