In some societies where the political system had fallen off track by power seizure, the people would be waiting for the day the original system will go back on track. But if things are still in the air and one simply does not see light at the other end of the tunnel as yet, the people would just wait with cautious optimism. But if things do not look promising, optimism will be seeping out and pessimism will usher in. This is a normal human psychology. This situation will bring about undesirable sentiments. Those who are concerned with the precarious situation will have the following feeling, in logical sequence. First, the future hangs in the balance. Second, no one knows exactly what is going to happen and when. Third, but everyone knows something will definitely happen and it is likely to be no good. Fourth, people would adopt a “wait and see” tactic until the dust has settled. Fifth, there are misgivings that violent conflict may take place. Sixth, there is a sense of resignation in the fashion of “whatever will be, will be.” Seventh, the social soul is in limbo. There are no standards of right and wrongs, good and bad and the like. Last, at times it would seem that everybody has become deranged, talking nonsense and voicing illogical arguments and debates on a daily basis. The outlandish remarks either displayed ignorance, stubbornness or hidden agenda due to vested interest, or following directives. All these characteristics are common in societies where the political order has broken down and the responsible people are just groping for the right model to make sure that their vested interest most notably power and privileges will be kept intact. The examples of our neighboring countries during the period of political turmoil are cases in point. Those who were in Vietnam before the fall of Saigon could testify to this observation.
Could the above narrative be applied to some other societies? This is a good question but people may be hesitant to make comments or give an answer. The Chinese folk wisdom which the Japanese adopted is reflected in the three monkey-dolls--one closes its mouth, one closes its ears and one closes its eyes. The Chinese also has a saying that, “Those who know, do not say; those who say, do not know!” In English, there is short sentence showing a point of wisdom. “Silence is golden!”