The key functional words are "executive function": aka "agency".

Humans didn't evolve to have an Executive Function that is stronger than our lizard brain instincts: at least not as individuals. Small groups of humans can communicate to develop habits and reasons to overcome fears and instincts in order to survive and thrive.

Too many people (too many chiefs, etc) in any group ends up causing confusion and overcomplexity that systems take advantage of, pushing individuals back into 'lizard brain' mode, where they can be coerced to buy and do things that they know they don't need or believe.

It takes a village. More than that becomes a pillage.