Very good. I like the references and tie in to what we are where we are. Each needs the other. In my profession we have leads. We had one who thought he was a dictator. He learned quickly that to be a lead someone must follow. Following is not mandatory.
Interesting angle Bert. You reminded me a quote by the ancient Greek sage, Solon: "In order to be able to lead, you need to learn first how to be led" (Archesthai mathon archein epistisei). Maybe it is a bit more rigid than your take, but still in the same direction I think (it also serves as the motto of the Hellenic Military Academy).
"Even if Wizards have an absolute advantage in Muggle abilities, the opportunity cost of acquiring such skills is likely to be too high compared with the chance to refine one’s magical abilities."
This is the gist of it, nicely put. Relative, not absolute, prices allow to (mutually) gain from trade.
Re the whole secrecy thing, drawing from another fictional setting: The last time supernatural creatures pushed humanity too far, in plain view, they got their magical powers shoved up their arcane arses and decided to just manipulate from the shadows (World of Darkness, Vampire: The Masquerade).
I am only vaguely familiar with the Wizarding World, maybe Muggles would indeed be servile to the mighty wizards, if the latter didn't overstep it. If they did, at some point masses, weapons and hatred would work "miracles" of another kind. No, trade seems a way better idea.
Very good. I like the references and tie in to what we are where we are. Each needs the other. In my profession we have leads. We had one who thought he was a dictator. He learned quickly that to be a lead someone must follow. Following is not mandatory.
Interesting angle Bert. You reminded me a quote by the ancient Greek sage, Solon: "In order to be able to lead, you need to learn first how to be led" (Archesthai mathon archein epistisei). Maybe it is a bit more rigid than your take, but still in the same direction I think (it also serves as the motto of the Hellenic Military Academy).
"Even if Wizards have an absolute advantage in Muggle abilities, the opportunity cost of acquiring such skills is likely to be too high compared with the chance to refine one’s magical abilities."
This is the gist of it, nicely put. Relative, not absolute, prices allow to (mutually) gain from trade.
Re the whole secrecy thing, drawing from another fictional setting: The last time supernatural creatures pushed humanity too far, in plain view, they got their magical powers shoved up their arcane arses and decided to just manipulate from the shadows (World of Darkness, Vampire: The Masquerade).
I am only vaguely familiar with the Wizarding World, maybe Muggles would indeed be servile to the mighty wizards, if the latter didn't overstep it. If they did, at some point masses, weapons and hatred would work "miracles" of another kind. No, trade seems a way better idea.