In a country where social studies is waved aside and politics is discussed only in hushed undertones, democracy is an immoral politicians favorite plaything.
When the majority of the masses caution their concerns with saving their hides instead of contributing to a proper foundation for the long term benefit, democracy fails. Unlike any other system, ‘Democracy’ practices social equality where every citizen of legal age and over can vote for the candidate of their preference. However, in a scenario where the political literacy of the voting masses is far below sensible, how can anyone expect a fair and proper election? Hence, through this very loophole, democracy is exploited.
Any reader might be startled into thinking that this article is an attack on democracy, it is merely pointing out the flaws of democracy and how it could be solved. Democracy has been one of civilizations earliest achievements which allows every citizen the right to social equality and a vote. It protects the interest of the citizens, creates a stable administration promotes change and growth and there is always a minimal risk of revolution in democracy.
However, there are downfalls to democracy as well. Despite having the right to vote, many people fail to cast their votes which enables the candidates with the most influence, power and capital in the field to take the chair. That results in corrupt leaders elected via immoral practices and they can easily take advantage of the system. Also, under-qualified candidates sometimes get elected in the same manner.
Socrates’s point is that voting in an election is a skill, not a random intuition. And like any skill, it needs to be taught systematically to people. Letting the citizenry vote without an education is as irresponsible as putting them in charge of a ship sailing to Samos in a storm without any prior experience.
Socrates himself was a victim of malpractice of democracy. He was charged with the accusation of corrupting the youth and refusing to recognize the gods. A jury of 500 Athenians were invited in a trial against Socrates and it was decided by a narrow margin that Socrates was guilty and was penalized with death. After which, he decided to take his own life by drinking hemlock poison.
Socrates’ disapproval towards democracy can be found in several citations. Despite his pessimism towards democracy and praise for certain monarchy, he didn’t believe in elitism. He only wished the voting bodies to be well educated, intellectual and versed in the art of philosophy.
In these modern times, not everyone is born with a knack for philosophy or political knowledge. However, the people can be taught from a young age; the art of philosophy, history of the government, economics and diplomacy. Which all eventually contributes to a proper political literacy and the intellectual ability to decide what’s good and wrong for ones country.
Which, however, is the exact opposite in this country. Parents discourage their children from showing interest in politics at a young age since it’s considered corrupt and the idea of being involved in politics deemed dangerous. They assume that, in order to gain political power, one has to be immoral, involved in a lot of malpractice and gain a lot of capital either legally or illegally. Which ultimately discourages the youth from taking part in the country’s political affair or gets them involved in exactly the inappropriate ways their parents imagined one would be involved with politics.
Which is why politics needs to be introduced from a young age for it is the rule that governs our way of life, anything and everything that happens in this country or another. The majority needs to be able to pass a well informed and fair judgment instead of dooming another messiah to the crucifix.
Verse and Fables 