Plato advocated a system of governance that favored the oligarchs, the few who were rich who were to govern the many that were poor. He also envisioned that these oligarchs would be enlightened and have the interests of the majority in mind.
Plato was a philosopher, alas, and not a politician because while this system of oligarchy is most certainly in play today, in the US for instance, there is no overt sense that it is remotely enlightened at all.
On the contrary.
We in the western world claim to live under a state of democracy, but how elusive is that term and when have we ever seen it in play? I think that social democracy exists in places like Canada and the Scandinavian countries. But even in Canada we need to be wary that Trumpism does not creep in as it has started to do.
For those in the US on the eve of the midterm elections, please reflect on whether democracy exists within your borders under the current regime. Do you really think that Trump and his fellow oligarchs care at all about you? Conversely, Hilary Clinton in a moment of weakness used the term "basket of deplorables" when describing the average person on the street.
The constitution of the United States was written by men who were, mostly, slave owners. "Equality" for them was not a reflection of their appreciation for diversity, but was more an economic equation that they hoped all would strive for. And a system where the richer would get richer still.
Beware the oligarchs! Because, until we become a little more enlightened than we are now, they do not have your interests at heart. They have their own interests at heart that includes hanging onto their own power and growing their wealth, at your expense and at the expense of the Earth.
It becomes imperative that we all start to imagine the kind of world we wish to live in, and if we need governance, what that will look like? It will be the younger generation whose wisdom will effect change. And to them I say never underestimate your power for effecting that change through your intentions. You have great power. As long as the world you envision is for the highest good for all, including the Earth, it will manifest.
Especially now.
Plato was a philosopher, alas, and not a politician because while this system of oligarchy is most certainly in play today, in the US for instance, there is no overt sense that it is remotely enlightened at all.
On the contrary.
We in the western world claim to live under a state of democracy, but how elusive is that term and when have we ever seen it in play? I think that social democracy exists in places like Canada and the Scandinavian countries. But even in Canada we need to be wary that Trumpism does not creep in as it has started to do.
For those in the US on the eve of the midterm elections, please reflect on whether democracy exists within your borders under the current regime. Do you really think that Trump and his fellow oligarchs care at all about you? Conversely, Hilary Clinton in a moment of weakness used the term "basket of deplorables" when describing the average person on the street.
The constitution of the United States was written by men who were, mostly, slave owners. "Equality" for them was not a reflection of their appreciation for diversity, but was more an economic equation that they hoped all would strive for. And a system where the richer would get richer still.
Beware the oligarchs! Because, until we become a little more enlightened than we are now, they do not have your interests at heart. They have their own interests at heart that includes hanging onto their own power and growing their wealth, at your expense and at the expense of the Earth.
It becomes imperative that we all start to imagine the kind of world we wish to live in, and if we need governance, what that will look like? It will be the younger generation whose wisdom will effect change. And to them I say never underestimate your power for effecting that change through your intentions. You have great power. As long as the world you envision is for the highest good for all, including the Earth, it will manifest.
Especially now.