You're More Powerful than You Think

There are two broad categories of rules to pay attention to: agenda-setting rules, and rent-seeking rules. Agenda-setting rules are those that define what is even in play and what can be considered for action. Rent-seeking rules are those that provide certain privileged people unearned, continuous advantages and benefits just for being privileged—what economists call “rents,” meaning rewards without work. The key to changing both kinds of rules is transparency—and attention. You have to be able to see them. And you have to want to see them.