Are you a dictator?

In the novel TWO JOURNEYS, the Englishman Somerset wants to become a dictator. Do you have the makings to become an autocrat in a post-pandemic world? Or are you already a despot, tyrant or monocrat today? Award yourself 1 point for each statement with which you agree.

• You like dressing up in military uniform, with a gun in your belt.
• “No” isn’t an answer that you accept. People that disagree with your opinions are either banished, maimed, locked up for life, killed, or "send to Coventry".
• You change your mind eratically and others are expected to simply follow suit.
• Newspapers should focus on printing adverts, weather reports and positive articles about your biased political views.
• Your spouse owns more shoes than the inhabitants of a small city.
• It’s quite alright to shoot a minister during a cabinet meeting, as an example for the rest.
• You enjoy watching thousands of soldiers march by in your honor.
• The fillings in your teeth, your watch and your bathroom armatures and toilet are made out of gold.
• Your daughter is overweight and her fiancé has a meaningless job in the army.
• You are a man.

8-10 points: Bingo! Probably you are a dictator now - or you will become one quickly, once post-pandemic chaos breaks out. Nobody tells YOU what to do, you rule and kill as you please! 4-7 points: Sorry, but you aren’t a dictator – yet. If you would like to become a hetman, führer, ceasar or tribal headman, consider killing some opponents, wearing a uniform, or a sex change operation. Less than 4 points: You are probably a soldier or a policeman, a shoe salesman or a plumber – an ordinary guy like the rest of us. Or a woman.