Don't confuse knowledge with understanding. Almost all good things exhibit diminishing returns. One lesson of history is to gain deeper understanding of human n

Don't confuse knowledge with understanding. Almost all good things exhibit diminishing returns. One lesson of history is to gain deeper understanding of human nature. That is a big key to understanding politics in any age. Plenty of people become adept at politics knowing nothing of history. Another lesson of history is to understand the balance between conservatism and progressivism. Birds need left wings and right wings to fly. Healthy societies need conservatives and progressives, but the so-called left/right dynamic is only the most apparent dynamic in politics, the one with the most entertainment value; and so the entertainment industry exploits it and ends up devolving political discourse. Think of the carnival side-show 3 shell game. The shells moving around and the banter between the con-man and the shills distracts everyone and provides entertainment. Where the ball ends up is the libertarian/authoritarian dynamic of politics. Most people don't have a clue, but if you have gained understanding from history (which requires studying a balance of sources) you see it. History is only one course of study to gain understanding of human nature and balance.