The Broken Social Contract
Leadership, Privilege, and the Path Forward
In a recent podcast episode of From What Now? with Trevor Noah, Simon Sinek delivered a thought-provoking commentary on the anthropology of leadership. He traced the concept of leadership back 50,000 years, where humans, living in tribes, naturally evolved into hierarchical structures. These structures weren’t built on arbitrary privileges or power dynamics—they were based on a social contract rooted in survival and service.
This contract, he explains, granted "alphas" privileges like first choice of food or mates, but these perks came with an obligation: when danger threatened the tribe, the alphas were expected to step up and protect their people. Privileges, in other words, were never free—they came with responsibilities.
Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that this ancient social contract has been shattered. Modern leadership, especially in the realms of business and politics, has too often devolved into a system where the privileged protect themselves, even at the expense of their people.
Leadership and the Privilege Paradox
Leadership has always been about balance. The privileges afforded to leaders—be it wealth, status, or influence—must be earned by fulfilling their end of the social contract. Leaders gain trust not through words but through actions, by putting the needs of the collective above their own interests, particularly in times of crisis.
Simon Sinek points out that people aren’t inherently angry about disparities in wealth or status. The anger arises when leaders use their positions to shield themselves from adversity rather than protecting the people they serve. When CEOs lay off thousands of workers while maintaining their bonuses or politicians prioritize donors over constituents, they betray this ancient expectation.
A Society in Disillusionment
The consequences of this betrayal are stark:
Widespread distrust in institutions.
Movements demanding accountability and systemic change.
Growing divides between leaders and the people they are meant to serve.
The frustration isn’t just about wealth inequality—it’s about perceived moral failure. People are looking for leaders who will honor the implicit social contract and demonstrate the courage to sacrifice their privileges for the greater good.
Reimagining Leadership for a New Era
Sinek’s insights align deeply with the ideas we’ve been exploring for a better, more equitable future. We envision a society where leadership is redefined—not by titles or wealth but by actions and service. Here’s how this could look:
1. Leadership as Service, Not Power
Leaders should view their roles as opportunities to serve, not to dominate. This shift requires structural changes in how we reward and hold leaders accountable, ensuring their actions align with the collective good.
2. A Temporary Business Model for Community Solutions
As we’ve discussed, solving societal problems should not be left to profit-driven motives. Temporary businesses can act as vehicles for addressing challenges, with leadership structured around expertise and service, rather than long-term profit. Once solutions are implemented, they transition to public ownership, ensuring sustainability without exploitation.
3. Unions and the Rebirth of Collective Leadership
Unions, by design, embody collective leadership. They could become key players in evaluating and managing proposals, ensuring projects prioritize the well-being of workers and communities. By putting power in the hands of experts and those directly impacted, we return to a form of leadership rooted in service.
4. A Universal Basic Income (UBI) to Empower True Leaders
UBI could enable people to focus on service and leadership rather than survival. When basic needs are met, more individuals can step into leadership roles motivated by purpose, not desperation.
The Challenge Ahead
To rebuild trust in leadership, we must confront the structures that allow leaders to act selfishly without consequence. A future where leadership is synonymous with sacrifice, service, and the collective good is possible—but it requires both cultural and systemic shifts.
As Simon Sinek eloquently put it, the perks of leadership are not free. They are investments in leaders who are strong enough to stand in the face of adversity and protect the tribe. If we can realign leadership with this ancient truth, we can create a society where trust, equity, and progress thrive.
The question we leave you with is this: What kind of leader are you willing to follow, and how do we ensure leadership fulfills its rightful purpose in the modern world?
Let’s explore these ideas together. Share your thoughts and join us as we work to reimagine leadership, economy, and society for the better.
Visit our blog at The Way of the World for more insights and ideas.
