The Cynic
Recently, through events which had a profound effect on me, I decided to take on an experiment to prove to myself there wasn’t an honest man among us, including myself. Especially, as I hypothesized, within my local government. The subjects of the experiment were the weakest of men, to the most powerful of women. The findings of my experiment, unfortunately, are as my hypothesis suggested; although I will allow you to make your own assessment, by your own experience.
I venture this much: Have no blind faith in your leaders, but in yourself. For you are the only constant traveling with you every part of the journey of this life, and only you know the truth, whether it be sublime or not. In my experiment, I found the one who takes the most blame, the one who is suggested to be the worst is the better of them all, for he was the only one injured and did not attack, he was weakened but stood firm. He was given a placebo and was uneffected. Be careful what you believe and whom you believe in as you may find perceptions are not fact.
This experiment, became an experience. An experience which reminded me of the old story of Young Goodman Brown, a quote from the story summarizes my experience better than my own words will allow, “The fiend in his own shape is less hideous than when he rages in the breast of man." I have found in this experiment each man is as weak as the next. What assumes the role of power is merely hidden fear, a raging fiend in full human form.