People think, and by the way I think most people are right: 'The

Hearken, children of discernment, to the words of Dominic Cummings, who declares: "People think, and by the way I think most people are right: 'The Tory party is run by people who basically don't care about people like me.' That is what most people in the country have thought about the Tory party for decades. I know a lot of Tory MPs and I am sad to say the public is basically correct." In these words lies a timeless truth about the tension between the rulers and the ruled, the powerful and the common, a truth that has echoed throughout history since the dawn of civic life. He speaks not merely of a political party, but of the eternal shadow of disconnection between authority and the lives of ordinary people.

From the ancient polis of Athens to the courts of Rome, the voice of the people has often been met with indifference by those in power. Plato himself warned of the dangers of leaders who govern without empathy, who rule for ambition or wealth rather than for the welfare of the citizenry. The sorrow that Cummings expresses—the recognition that the public is correct—is the echo of centuries of imbalance, when those entrusted with stewardship forget that true power lies not in titles or office, but in service to the common good.

Consider the tale of King John of England, whose neglect of the needs of his subjects led to the sealing of the Magna Carta. For decades, the people’s cries for fairness and protection under the law were ignored, breeding resentment, fear, and rebellion. History shows that the disconnection Cummings describes is not new; it is the recurring tragedy of leadership that forgets its sacred duty: to care for all, not merely for the privileged few. The sadness he voices is the recognition of this repeating cycle.

The quote also underscores the importance of perception in governance. When ordinary people believe that leaders do not care about them, trust erodes, loyalty falters, and the very foundations of society are weakened. This is a lesson understood by Cicero, who insisted that justice and attention to the welfare of citizens are the pillars upon which lasting states are built. The perception of indifference, whether accurate or amplified, is itself a powerful force, shaping the engagement and cohesion of a populace.

Yet there is a heroic aspect to this acknowledgment. Cummings does not flinch from the truth; he names it openly. To recognize the failings of leaders is not only an act of clarity but a call to action. The ancients understood that the first step toward reform and renewal is awareness—the sober acknowledgment that power has drifted from its moral moorings. Without such recognition, societies drift like ships without rudder, guided by ambition rather than justice.

The lesson for all who listen is twofold. First, citizens must remain vigilant, observing and judging the actions of those in authority with both critical thought and moral clarity. Second, leaders must never forget that the well-being of the people is their highest responsibility. The gulf between perception and action must be bridged with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to service. The ancient sages would call this the balance of wisdom and compassion, the heart of virtuous governance.

Practical actions flow naturally from this understanding. Engage in civic life, speak boldly when injustices are observed, and seek knowledge of the workings of power. For those who lead, cultivate empathy, listen to those often ignored, and act with integrity, remembering that office is a duty, not a privilege. The acknowledgment of truth, as Cummings does, must be coupled with the courage to correct what is broken, lest sadness give way to decay and division.

Remember, children of the ages, that the bond between rulers and the ruled is eternal and fragile. The words of Dominic Cummings remind us that the perception of neglect, of indifference, is as grave as the reality itself. Let us honor the lesson: that vigilance, empathy, and accountability are not optional in society, but essential. Only when leaders care for all, and the people remain attentive, can the flame of justice and shared prosperity burn brightly through the ages.