Seneca reminds me to not grab for the freebies:
The most sensible man, therefore, as soon as he sees the dole being brought in, runs from the theatre; for he knows that one pays a high price for small favours.
Letters, 74:7.
That lines up with Nassim Taleb’s comments about pitches: if you are being pitched on the benefits, look out for the hidden detriments, for surely the payoff from the benefits is less than the damage to you, hidden from sight by the salesman.
The Emperor bought servitude from the masses by passing out coins and food at the games, at festivals, etc. The average man had a meal, a trivial amount of spending money. Then nothing.
The Emperor had a supine population ready to serve his will.
Compare today. The $600 checks handed out in Covid times. The PPP checks handed out to businesses.
Has my sullen servitude been purchased?
One more thing. I was told (correctly) to search for the quiet men, smiling and calm, in the back of the room. Avoid the loud and flashy men proclaiming their virtue and wisdom.
Seneca continues:
No one will grapple with him on the way out, or strike him as he departs; the quarrelling takes place where the prizes are.
All of the bullshit and turmoil exists where the freebies are handed out. Stay away from the chum.