THE ONE THIRD RULE IN POLITICS & LIFE

An Observation of Human Behavior Constants

Editorial by Bill Lussenheide

Ah, the 1/3rd, 1/3rd, 1/3rd Rule – the cosmic constant that explains a wide variety of human competency and motivations. I've been around long enough to notice this phenomenon in full, vivid, and sometimes absurd detail.

In my little corner of the universe—Investment Management—this rule reigns supreme. You've got one-third of so-called "experts" who couldn't manage a lemonade stand at a school fair. Then there’s another third who, let’s be honest, are just there for the Bucks, and wouldn’t bat an eye if your retirement account mysteriously vanished. And then, shining like a lighthouse in a fog of inferiority, is the last third—the real deal—those pros who actually care about their craft, their clients success, and their own professional long term reputations.

But here’s the kicker: this rule isn’t just for finance geeks and portfolio jockeys. Oh no. I’ve observed it in every profession I’ve bumped into—lawyers who either don’t know the law, don’t care about the law, or genuinely love practicing law; doctors who either misdiagnose you, overcharge you, or save your life with a smile; even ministers who... well, let’s just say not every sermon is divinely inspired. The Rule holds firm, like gravity, across all fields of human endeavor.

This past legislative session, I spent considerable time haunting the halls of Helena—personally testifying on wide variety of more than 15 bills. Additionally, instead of background music in my office , I had the sessions on live video playing. (Pro tip: if you ever need a crash course in bureaucratic entropy, spend a few weeks in legislative hearings either online or in person.) I met and interacted with many of our legislators. There I encountered the full legislative human spectrum as well: one-third who had no clue what was going on, one-third who were clearly there for the perks and posturing or even worse motivations, and—mercifully—one-third who seemed to genuinely care about Montana and were working their tails off to make things better. It was, as always, a perfect 1/3rd split.

But here’s the good news—and it’s the good news that keeps me from collapsing into a pile of existential despair: one-third is enough!. Look back at our own American Revolution: one-third of the colonists were all-in for the cause of liberty, one-third didn’t give a hoot, and one-third were busy polishing their portraits of King George. Yet that passionate, committed third managed to light the fire that changed the world.

So, dear reader, strive to be in that one-third. Be the ones who love God, love your fellow humans (even the annoying ones), and love America and her Constitution. Take the time to educate yourself about candidates—whether they’re in it for the perks, just blundering through, or actually fighting for what matters. Because one determined third is all it takes.

And frankly, if you’re not aiming for that top third, you are living a life of mediocrity.

- Bill Lussenheide