In the last week I've read 1984 and Brave New World, and what struck me most about both was the strict segmentation of people groups.

I've heard people say, as you do, that "the masses" will never do such and such, and I agree. But in the past, I haven't really been willing to separate "the masses" into their own group. Instead, I've considered myself, and you, and others on HN, as part of "the masses".

Anyway, I wonder now if I'm wrong. Maybe we should think of the masses as if they are proles (85% of the population in 1984)? Are "the masses" actually just a large group of people who are—literally—no help whatsoever is securing and protecting a just and free society for themselves and others? And worse, completely unaware that they are no help?

Perhaps the masses should be ignored, since their opinions—when they have any—are politically powerless.