Leaders understand knowledge is dynamic, ever changing and therefore not settled. This requires intellectual skills of examination, choice and flexibility, all of which can lead to wisdom. The positive direction of societal evolution of mankind is toward truth, honesty and openness. A transformation of social conditions leads to an improvement of the existing human conditions. Leaders are critical in exhibiting the behaviors needed to move out of the past into a more hopeful future, through modification of the ideas and practices of the past and present.

Non leaders believe their perceptions, which can be traced back to ancient dogmas of entitlements and privilege, are necessary to maintain the status quo within the culture. This is done through resisting and resorting to the use of prejudices, scare tactics and punishments as a way to control and dominate. This rigidity, toward acceptance of new possibilities of living and growing, results in stagnation and eventual deterioration of the human situation. Non leaders’ efforts are directed toward maintaining a closed system, which limits options for the majority of citizens.