Never underestimate fatigue

Like rust, it always sets in

The headlines excitedly proclaimed this week when the US House of Representatives finally picked a Speaker (Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana). It came on the fourth nominee, an up-and-down three week process in which several other members of congress were unusuccessful.

To many, Mr. Johnson was a surprise, as he was/is a politician without a national profile. But he had one enormous factor in his favor—fatigue.

Just as we all ultimately die, we humans all get tired. (With a wider lens, we can see that all animals get tired too—my understanding is that all animals require at least some sleep.) Fatigue has very likely decided more wars, contests, campaigns, and struggles than any other. Something so simple—one side tires—settles so much.