The Dictator in Your Head: How Internal Control Breeds External Authoritarianism
Ever wonder why some people seem oddly comfortable with the idea of a strongman leader or a more authoritarian state? The answer might be closer to home—specifically, the home inside their own heads.
The Psychology of Self-Made Dictatorships
We all have a mental framework that shapes how we see the world. For some, that framework is rigid, rule-bound, and pretty unforgiving. It’s like living under an internal authoritarian regime of their own making, where their beliefs and fears dictate every move. And when you’re used to a life of internal strictness, the idea of an external authority running the show can feel strangely familiar—like a puzzle piece snapping into place.
A Little Science on the Side
Research in social psychology suggests that when people feel uncertain or anxious, they often gravitate toward more authoritative structures. It’s a bit of a mental shortcut: if your inner world is all about strict rules and zero flexibility, you might subconsciously think that’s how the outside world should run too. It’s like the brain is saying, “Hey, I already live under a dictator—might as well make it official!”
Putting a Human Face on It
Now let’s add a dash of wit. Imagine describing someone who’s got a tiny internal dictator perched on their shoulder, barking orders like a miniature drill sergeant. This little guy thrives on certainty, hates ambiguity, and basically convinces the person that freedom is too chaotic. The punchline is that people like this aren’t really seeking a dictator outside—they’re just mirroring the one inside their own mind.
The Takeaway: Loosening the Reins
In the end, the real journey is about helping people recognize that they can loosen those internal reins. It’s about showing them that a little self-compassion and flexibility can go a long way. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll realize that they don’t need an external authoritarian figure to feel safe—because they’ve learned to trust themselves in a more open and expansive way.
This isn’t about judging anyone. It’s about understanding that for some people, the world feels safer when it’s more controlled, even if that control comes at the cost of freedom. The real opportunity here is to gently help people see that loosening up those inner reins can lead to a richer, more open life. It’s about inviting a little more curiosity and compassion, both for ourselves and for others.
In other words, the next time we see someone longing for a “strong hand” to guide the country, we might consider that they’ve been living under a strong hand for a long time—their own. And maybe, just maybe, we can show them a kinder and more flexible way forward.
