American author and essayist George W. S. Trow is well-known for his sharp observations on modern society. One of his noteworthy findings, which is frequently brought up in social critique circles, has to do with how power functions in society. According to him, those in positions of power are not always the most capable or moral people; rather, they are skilled at establishing and upholding a system in which adults behave like children while enforcing adult-like penalties.

Consider a playground game where everyone agrees to play by certain rules, but the person enforcing them acts like a child to demonstrate this point. Even though they act immaturely, they still have the power to discipline people who don't follow the rules exactly. This situation demonstrates how power can be upheld in a paradoxical way, with those in authority acting carelessly or foolishly while others are supposed to act responsibly and maturely.

Trow's observation suggests a critique of structures that place more importance on conformity to flimsy standards than on real development and responsibility. It implies that competence and wisdom, not the capacity to impose laws without truly living them, should be the source of true leadership and authority.