Phil’s Blog

Is Democracy the best system?

The principal element of democracy is the voting power the nation’s members.

It is said that the leaders represent the views and philosophy of the masses they govern. So, when leaders lie, corrupt, behave unethically they represent the mentality of the masses.

Or did the masses, when electing their leaders, did not use logic to evaluate each candidate, but, vile emotions driven by media propaganda. Or is it that politics has become more the art of manipulation, than a service to the public.

I recall a passage in the Republic, where Plato suggests that philosophers be rulers, but the problem is that philosophers would not seek such position, for it entails a great obligation towards the citizens of the state. The leader can no more think, and seek personal goods, he or she must think for the benefit of the whole. This aspect of being a servant to the public is gone from our system, and only the term “public servant” remains.

So it is not only the fault of the masses, but also of those politicians that the democratic system has become a masquerade.

It is also Plato, which mentioned that in a democracy, the leaders would decrease the liberties and freedoms of their citizens, as to better enjoy the fruits of their elite position; which will bring revolt and Anarchy.

It is why; in my opinion democracy is not the best option. Anarchy or self ruling seems to be more to the level of Human.

A Human, free, because he or she commands oneself, as Pythagoras wrote: “No man is free but who commands himself.”

A Human that would live to his or her great potential.

A rational Human.