I seem to recall earlier studies that suggested that stress was to a large extent dependent on control - those with the least control over their lives had the most stress.

I seem to recall earlier studies that suggested that stress was to a large extent dependent on control - those with the least control over their lives had the most stress.

"Oh happy low, lay your heads down! Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown!"

The ruling class is always keen to have the masses think they pay for their privilege with stress over the terrible, terrible burden of keeping society progressive and safe. Basically they want people to think they work hard enough to justify their outrageous fortunes, and this would terrify any working person who is stretched to the limit and beyond by the demands of their dead-end jobs. What heros they must be in the Inner Party, just to survive their awesome responsibility.

This is why I believe in democracy. If only a ruling elite ever delivered on the promise of wise, enlightened leadership, surely we'd all agree to be carefree serfs. But even in the Middle Ages no one really bought this bull, not about someone they could see every day gouging for rents, rigging trials for their sycophants, and stuffing their faces with the sweat of the plowman's brow. That's why reverence had to be kicked upstairs to the lofty level of monarchy as Shakespeare was doing.

Nope, no one will fight for you but you and your friends. Hence democracy as the only solution.