That romantic notion of a band being a total democracy is just

Hear, O children of wisdom, the words of Cedric Bixler-Zavala, a man whose reflection on the nature of bands and collaboration speaks to a deeper truth about the illusion of equality and the truth of leadership. He said, “That romantic notion of a band being a total democracy is just like lying to yourself in the mirror.” In these words, Bixler-Zavala dispels the myth of perfect equality within a collective, revealing that while we may seek harmony and balance, true creative collaboration is often shaped by individual strengths, vision, and the inevitable presence of hierarchy. It is a powerful reminder that the idealized vision of democracy in a band—or in any group—is often just an illusion, one that overlooks the natural dynamics of leadership and responsibility.

The ancient world knew well that every great endeavor required not just the collective will of the people, but the guidance of a leader—someone to steer the ship when the waters became rough. In the tale of Odysseus, the great hero of the Iliad and the Odyssey, we see a leader who, though surrounded by loyal companions, was always the one who made the final decision, who charted the course for his men. His leadership was not a democracy, but rather the wisdom of a single mind guiding the many. While the crew of his ship played a role, it was ultimately Odysseus’ vision and determination that brought them to safety, proving that collaboration requires not only teamwork but a sense of direction and purpose that comes from a singular source.

In the realm of art, this truth is no different. A band, much like any creative endeavor, is not a place of perfect balance where every voice is equal, but a space where individual talent and vision must come together, sometimes under the direction of a singular force. The romantic notion of a band as a democracy, where all members contribute equally, fails to recognize that every great collaboration—whether in music, art, or philosophy—requires a visionary leader to shape the direction and guide the project. The Beatles, for example, though famed for their collective brilliance, were in many ways guided by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, whose leadership shaped the band’s creative output. Though Ringo Starr and George Harrison contributed significantly, the direction of the band was often steered by those who held a greater stake in the vision of the music they created.

Bixler-Zavala’s words remind us that while equality in a group may seem ideal, the reality is that true leadership comes with the acceptance of responsibility and the ability to make decisions. It is not a matter of unfairness or lack of respect for others, but rather the natural order of any collective endeavor. In the story of the Roman Republic, the Senate was filled with leaders who represented different factions, but it was ultimately the dictator or emperor who held the final say in matters of war, policy, and justice. This does not diminish the value of the Senate or the contributions of individual members; rather, it highlights the truth that decisions must be made, and sometimes those decisions must come from one who carries the weight of leadership, not from a perfectly equal voice.

The lesson, O children, is not that democracy is an illusion in all things, but that we must understand the role of leadership and the truth that every collective effort is not always governed by equal voice, but by the strength and clarity of vision. In our own lives, we must learn to both follow and lead, to contribute to the collective effort and also recognize when we are called to take the reins of responsibility. Whether in the realm of work, family, or community, there are moments when decisions must be made, and those decisions often fall to one who sees clearly the path forward, even if it is not a path that all wish to follow.

And so, O children, understand that leadership is not a rejection of equality, but a recognition of the strength that comes from vision and direction. When you walk with others, remember that true collaboration is not about equal contribution from all, but about knowing when to step back and when to step forward. Like the leaders of old, whether in battle, art, or community, it is the one who takes responsibility and shapes the vision who ultimately guides the journey. Know when to share the burden and when to take the lead, and in doing so, you will create strength through unity, not through the illusion of perfect equality, but through the strength of purpose and shared effort.