In certain times, people find that any system which allows exploitation, will be exploited. Furthermore, it will be exploited by groups of people who feel less powerful, led by demagogues who exploit their attention and outrage for their own benefit. Rules of etiquette and decorum which once protected such systems will be ignored by people who feel sufficiently "justified" in their outrage. Intellectual commons once supported by common values and a love of knowledge will become polluted.

The above describes Ancient Rome prior to the change of the Republic into the Empire. It also describes the world 1/6th of the way through the 21st century.