except he was still banging on about how “they” didn’t listen. I...

except he was still banging on about how “they” didn’t listen. I think the clue to his unhappiness lies in that. No one really gets listened to unless they have worked at establishing credibility and even then the scope of our influence depends on how widely they credibility is recognised. That requires effort.

it is not enough to bang on about knowing things or telling others they are wrong. It requires relationships and skill across more than just the direct body of knowledge.

and why shouldn’t it? No one likes to be told by someone else that they are wrong and no one can know everything about a topic. So if you are not a qualified nurse or doctor and tell others they are wrong you can expect kick back. You may be right but on what basis should people agree that you are the one out of all the unqualified people with an opinion who is right.

the way to address confidence you are right is either to run away from the system and then try to use influence to change it (and there are plenty who do that effectively) or stay inside the system and establish credibility and change the system from within. But running away in a huff because no one listened is like a child having a tantrum

and maybe that feeling that no one listens - which we know is a recurring theme for him - is the consequence of not building real credibility and authority by doing the hard yards, or of puddling around in shallow ponds proclaiming expertise, or being a legend in their own head.

there are so many avenues open now to become an authority and be listened to - regardless of whether you really know what you are talking about. Maybe he should get off hotcopper where political views have no impact on anything and try a different platform.