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To true believers in Democracy

6 avril 2019, 08:45

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The great legacy that the Golden Years of Athens bequeathed to the world was the concept of democracy. Not that Athens was by any means a perfect society but what society ever has or ever will be? However, even then, Plato believed there was a sinister side to democracy, where the poor would remain poor and the rich richer, leading to a revolution. The modern variation is populist measures leading to the degradation of the economy and people rallying behind a strongman, as in Brazil. Strongmen often become tyrants and start to strike down their opponents, as is happening in many countries around the world, although no-one has yet beaten Stalin’s record. They’ll be surrounded by bodyguards (or bouncers) or cling to power with the help of the army and security forces, as in Venezuela.

Their other legacy was a set of values – based on behaving honourably – and the thoughts of some of the greatest philosophers of all times. Values and good (and bad) qualities were enshrined in the daemones. Surely people must have heard by now of the virtues of Dike and Arete and Aletheia – and the dangers of Hybris, Kakia and the Pseudologoi? Meanwhile, the Parthenon epitomises the ideals of Greek thought, reflecting their way of life and an understanding of harmony in the natural world. These ideals are represented in the building’s perfect proportions. However, there are no absolutely straight lines on the Parthenon as what mattered was the perspective from a distance. But how can perspective, thinking and philosophy survive in an age of ill-informed social media comments and tweets? Of course, other times have had their philosophers, not least the French, British and Germans, but where are they now? Philosophers seem to have been driven into a corner

When economic and other liberties grow, Plato warned of destructive desires like a passion for luxuries and lavish possessions. He therefore favoured a timocracy – where only property owners could vote. Today that could mean only those paying taxes. He further argued that only Kallipolis, the beautiful city (meaning an aristocracy led by the wisest men) lends itself to a just form of government. It sounds uncannily like recent thoughts on having a senate but the problem remains on deciding who may be the wisest men.  The great challenge of modern democrats is to prove Plato wrong. Mauritius can do it – but probably won’t, as most local politicos seek to appeal to people with populist measures and remarks.  

These fair isles have fallen under the tyranny of vested interests like non-ambulant traders, sectarian lobbies, ethnic considerations and professional groups. Moreover, democracy is inevitably endangered when many voters rely on the state for their incomes. It’s a sure-fire way to populism. As Plutarch aptly remarked, “The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits.” Presumably that includes pension increases and statutory wage rises. Instead of dishing out largesse, the state might consider reducing its powers – and a law, making it illegal for politicians to secure people jobs or interfere in appointments, could be jolly useful. At last Rodriguans offer a glimmer of hope as shown in their reaction to the recent cyclones. Instead of shrill choruses of women demanding a new house, people are rebuilding their lives as best they can.

The greatest danger of these times, however, is in people accepting there is little they can do to change things for the better – and not even bothering to use their hard-earned right to vote. Pericles provides one of the best perspectives: “Just because you don’t take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.”