this seems an idealistic view, my cynical view is that if King Lear gives up all his legal paper power he will find out nobody cares who the hell he is and take advantage of him without remorse.

▲

taneq 3 days ago | parent [-]

In my experience (at a much smaller scale than these guys, of course) the legal papers power is more of a formality. It’s the soft power tied up in knowledge, relationships, trust and goodwill that really count.

▲

mpweiher 3 days ago | parent [-]

Right up until the point that the person with the legal power yanks the rug from under you.

▲

taneq 2 days ago | parent [-]

That’s when you find out if the soft power you’ve accrued is sufficient.

	▲	mpweiher 2 days ago \| parent [-]
		Nope. That's when you find out that hard power beats soft power when the two come into conflict. Doesn't mean soft power isn't important, because most of the time there isn't such a hard conflict. Well, hopefully.