I’d suggest that most or all hierarchies of any kind try to make use of the natural house-elfishness inherent in the majority of people.
On the other hand, Eric Hoffer in the True Believer suggested that mass movements—including the more fanatical kind of patriotism—were somewhat different than less dynamic, more established hierarchies, like armies. As I understand it, most combat soldiers are directly motivated more by loyalty to their platoon rather than to Democracy.
I wonder how much of bonding people into groups (notably the inculcation of patriotism) is equivalent to trying to create house elves.
I’d suggest that most or all hierarchies of any kind try to make use of the natural house-elfishness inherent in the majority of people.
On the other hand, Eric Hoffer in the True Believer suggested that mass movements—including the more fanatical kind of patriotism—were somewhat different than less dynamic, more established hierarchies, like armies. As I understand it, most combat soldiers are directly motivated more by loyalty to their platoon rather than to Democracy.