I think that it is difficult for a large group of people to follow a leader who is self-appointed and who gives instructions, sometimes without explanation, without having some dissenters. Likewise, if Richard Alpert were to come out and say "I am your leader, and we do things the way we do because I say so," there would probably be some who would question him.
It seems much easier, however, for people to follow a leader who is following a greater leader, or a greater purpose. In this case, Jacob. The Others believe that they are following a person (Ben, Richard, Locke, etc.) who is getting their instructions from someone else - a greater leader, a more powerful leader, a supreme being. And perhaps because of this, the Others do not question the leader when they return with instructions.
What if Richard Alpert were actually Jacob? He would understand this concept of needing someone who acted as the leader but who actually received their instructions from somewhere else. This is why he would not appear to be the leader, even though he is the one who would actually give the instructions to the leader. Since Jacob has not been seen, or has had a spokesperson, it would be simple for Richard Alpert to give his instructions without revealing his true identity. And because Richard Alpert is the one giving instructions, and because he knows that the appointed leader will follow those directions, he can easily follow that leader along with the rest of the Others, appearing to be just one of them.
Richard Alpert does not seem to age. He has been on the island for many years, and perhaps he is the island's constant. He knows about the time-traveling and he understands things about the island that very few understand. Jacob would be wise, and Richard Alpert is wise. Being wise, he would know how to lead, and how to do so successfully. This is why Richard Alpert, aka Jacob, makes himself look like second in command when he is really the many behind the curtain. Theory by taturner
It seems much easier, however, for people to follow a leader who is following a greater leader, or a greater purpose. In this case, Jacob. The Others believe that they are following a person (Ben, Richard, Locke, etc.) who is getting their instructions from someone else - a greater leader, a more powerful leader, a supreme being. And perhaps because of this, the Others do not question the leader when they return with instructions.
What if Richard Alpert were actually Jacob? He would understand this concept of needing someone who acted as the leader but who actually received their instructions from somewhere else. This is why he would not appear to be the leader, even though he is the one who would actually give the instructions to the leader. Since Jacob has not been seen, or has had a spokesperson, it would be simple for Richard Alpert to give his instructions without revealing his true identity. And because Richard Alpert is the one giving instructions, and because he knows that the appointed leader will follow those directions, he can easily follow that leader along with the rest of the Others, appearing to be just one of them.
Richard Alpert does not seem to age. He has been on the island for many years, and perhaps he is the island's constant. He knows about the time-traveling and he understands things about the island that very few understand. Jacob would be wise, and Richard Alpert is wise. Being wise, he would know how to lead, and how to do so successfully. This is why Richard Alpert, aka Jacob, makes himself look like second in command when he is really the many behind the curtain. Theory by taturner
