Rulers- Enlightened Elite

Socrates propagated a political theory, that the government should be an enlightened elite, and not by those who represent the sentiments of a majority of people that can easily be misguided by inciting negative emotions such as hatred and envy.

Further, his junior and student Plato ranked the rule by the enlightened elite from best to worst
1. Aristocracy (rule by intellectual elite, not hereditary nobility)

2. Timocracy (rule by “guardians”, a dedicated military junta)

3. Oligarchy (rule by the rich)

4. Democracy (rule by demagogues who address the sentiments of the uneducated)

5. Tyranny (rule by a whimsical dictator)

Socrates and Plato may not find too many takers for their theories, but to dismiss them as completely outdated may be inopportune

We all agree that times have changed since these two gentlemen walked on earth, so too the society and people and the political environment.However, how many of us would wish to be ruled by a combination of point 1 & 4?

The respect that a Manmohan Singh or an Angela Markel commands in world polity is not because of their political acumen, but for their intellectual prowess. Even today a majority of people across the world would prefer to be ruled by highly educated class( enlightened elite) as compared to mere politicians.

Majority of development in the west has been a result of the efforts of the enlightened elite; be it in the field of science, medicine or other key areas. However these enlightened elite have remained anonymous, whereas large corporations and the state have taken the entire credit under the garb of nationalism.

Democracy along with the birth of media has spawned a dangerous demagogic illusion. This illusion gave birth to the American mis-adventure in Afghanistan & Iraq. The majority was led to believe in the bogus theory of illusory terror, which is out to devour them.

Moreover, Media, marketing and branding has enslaved the political class in America and most of the western world. This trend is catching on in parts of Asia as well. These tools make ordinary mortals who have neither intellectual nor administrative skills, popular and powerful rulers.Junk foods, Soap/news Television are a few illegitimate children of this demagogic phenomenon.America actually decides its rulers on this platform by debating frivolously on important issues. The growth of media is a very positive sign, but not when it’s captive to popular perception rather than CORRECT facts.

‘No system is perfect’ as they say, but we need to find a system close to perfect. To find the enlightened elite in the democratic process is the only way towards lasting peace and worldwide prosperity