Our current political situation can, in part, be explained by steadfast and increasing belief in a system of trickle-down emotions—the idea that if the people you admire appear satisfied or strong or free that you will eventually too, as long as you continue to let them do their thing. It is a system of sunk costs and delayed gratification. And it is a system that is thus self-reinforcing—the more those in power can make your life miserable, the more appealing the idea becomes that supporting them will eventually make your life better.