Odd Lots · Thursday, September 17, 2026
Francis Fukuyama identifies 'megalothemia' – the desire for recognition of superiority – as a key driver of modern discontent, citing platforms like Twitter as evidence. He notes that even billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, despite material wealth, crave validation and influence, suggesting this pursuit of recognition, when politicized, poses a threat to democracy.
“So megalothemia, right. Which is like the desire to be recognized as superior. in some way. So people aren't just satisfied that they're all equal, they all have equal dignity, equal rights. People want to feel like they're special or superior in some way.”
“And to me, Twitter, the fact that Twitter exists is. Like proof of this concept. That's exactly where my mind went.”
“You know, you have people like Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, who still wants a platform to be heard and feel superior to others.”