@indun
@feddit.uk"Take the lead" is certainly an expression used in the UK to denote guiding people, as in "I'll take the lead". I assume both come from ballroom dancing.
I'm sure it's used elsewhere but it may also simply be a conflation of the two.
Unfortunately, you violated the law slightly by asking a question!
Cunningham's Law states "the best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer."
I think you're underestimating the intelligence of average people. There's definitely a lack of knowledge, but average people are plenty smart to invent everything you've listed. It just takes time and is an iterative process.
Definitely yes, but like all philosophies your understanding will develop as you age and your perspective changes.
Consider the book Happy by Deren Brown. It's a great summary of Ancient philosophies and then a good 'entry level' introduction to Stoicism.