And to address self-satisfaction:
For this to even be a possibility for the majority of the population, there would have to be other influences. For instance, if everyone thought they would gain the favor of (not literal favors--just favorable opinion) someone they wanted (for instance: the leader of a theocracy or perhaps even just a loved one). Unfortunately, unless the ruler is actually a god, I don't think the any present-day population could live under a theocracy.

What is it they say about silence being golden?