I've heard that many people have an authoritarian bent, but that it lays dormant until triggered by a shock or crisis. These people fear the destabilizing chaos

I've heard that many people have an authoritarian bent, but that it lays dormant until triggered by a shock or crisis. These people fear the destabilizing chaos or risk presented by the crisis, and turn to a strong leader and discipline to manage it. Others (like me) fear instead the centralization of power and restrictions.