Why Democracy is Wrong?
According to Socrates
Democracy means people power and freedom. It gives everyone an equal voice and value. But according to Socrates, democracy has serious flaws and here’s why:
Imagine this: if we wanted a plane to fly safely, would we ask the general public who should pilot it? Or would we rely on an expert who has studied, trained, and understands every technical detail? Obviously, we rely on the expert. Now, apply the same logic to governance. In a democracy, we elect leaders through public votes but do most people truly understand the complex needs of a country, the details of its problems, or even how government works? Probably not. Yet, their opinions directly shape the nation’s future.
This is exactly what Socrates criticized. He believed leadership should be in the hands of those who truly understand justice, ethics, and governance. He warned that giving power to those who lack knowledge can lead to poor decisions, instability, and, eventually, the rise of charismatic leaders who claim they can fix everything. Notice the pattern; people end up giving power to someone anyway.
Plato and Socrates argued that governance should prioritize wisdom over popularity. Today, this raises an important question: should the vote of an uninformed public carry the same weight as the judgment of experts who understand the importance of complex issues?
Critics of democracy suggest an “epistocracy”, rule by the knowledgeable, where experts guide major decisions. While this may seem elitist, it addresses the fundamental problem Socrates highlighted: governance is complex, and competence matters more than popularity.
This isn’t to say democracy has no value. It encourages participation, accountability, and equality. But perhaps a solution is better education and awareness about a country’s problems and the voting system. As David Deutsch wisely said: “All evils are caused by insufficient knowledge.”
Follow me on X: @thevishpandey
Click here to support my work. So I can create better content and work towards my dream:-)