>>>Some people sit quietly in the "cheap seats" living their chosen plan, reaping the rewards.. leading by example<<<

Reminds me of a line in the bible that goes something like "Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary use words." In other words your best method of "converting" people to your way is by being a good example.

I think many things can become like a religion. We need to believe in something, if you choose not to believe in a faith then you can belive in diets, environmentalism, political views, whatever, all you need is for that thing to be important to you. Most of us simply believe without actual hard proof, others do their research and come up with what they think proves their case. Even some Christians believe that they have scientific proof of Creation rather that Evolution, so for them religion is not based on faith alone. Or so they believe.