I'm not really following, I agree that it's a very peaceful time, that's not at issue is it? It's also less individually corrupt now than in the past I'd say.

I'm not really following, I agree that it's a very peaceful time, that's not at issue is it? It's also less individually corrupt now than in the past I'd say. The argument in the essay is that the idea that leadership and the masses are stupid and corrupt compared to intelligent individuals (not the average person, but a cliche heroic individual) is propaganda, which wasn't present in the past. I think that's ridiculous and it's much more likely that the idea of there ever being benevolent and intelligent rulers (compared to this intelligent and ethical individual) was the propaganda, which is working less effectively now. Hence the King/Serf jab, obviously we now know more than those in the past did, and reject the propaganda that the King rules by divine right and is superior to the rest. This is similar to what I'm saying is happening now.