The excerpts reveal that true political power operates outside of formal institutions and begins in casual community conversations, such as whispers and passing comments. After formal attempts failed, a person named Daniel shifted his approach to listening to ordinary citizens in his neighborhood, discovering that important decisions are often made behind the scenes, making public meetings merely "theater." He realized that influence is primarily wielded by unelected community leaders like barbers and trusted business owners, who shape public opinion even though they hold no official titles. Daniel's genuine honesty—stating he was simply "trying to understand how things really work"—allowed people to share the unwritten rules of local governance, which often involve old deals and favor trading, providing him with critical knowledge rather than immediate power.