Your statement is very accurate, learning about leadership can make one a better follower--and of course frustrate the hell out of you when you work for someone with poor or no leadership skills.

The desire to make a difference is one of the higher levels on Maslow's heirarchy of needs. Eventually, that is something most people want; however, until their other, more basic needs are met, they probably won't realize this desire (e.g. food, shelter, safety, love, belonging, etc).