Slaves and Freemen

As part of my continuing effort to become more politically educated, I've started reading a classical classic: Aristotle's "Politics." A political issue important in Aristotle's time that is perhaps not so important in the United States in the year 2007 is slavery. Aristotle argues that some are born to rule and some are born to be ruled; were it otherwise, society could not function. I don't agree, but reading Aristotle's matter-of-fact discussion on the necessity of slavery has inspired me to start thinking about the gulf between the ruling and the ruled that still exists.

American senators, representatives, and presidents are theoretically just citizens who happen to meet a few minor requirements for office. That's only part of the story, though -- these men and women in power are, generally speaking, elected into office. They are chosen by other citizens, by their peers. Are these elected elite "born to rule" and the voters who supported them "born to serve?" There is a tradition of direct democracy that exists in American politics, but referendums, initiatives, and recalls are not the typical way political changes are effected. The voters are seemingly content to let others -- whoever happens to decide to run for office and is popular enough to be elected -- make decisions for them. Is this mere laziness? Are Americans just unwilling to put the effort into learning enough to make wise decisions for the entire country or is the nation really better off if it is led by an elected elite? The elite are not necessarily well-qualified to lead their nation, no more than a Greek slaveholder was necessarily virtuous enough to treat his slaves like human beings, so it is hard to be completely satisfied with the present way of doing things. However, as much I like the idea of the educated masses guiding the destiny of their own country, I cannot help but remember how difficult it was for me to merely get to the point of wanting to become an educated voter. As a member of the masses, I can authoritatively say for myself that I am not ready to lead, and my observations of other people suggest to me that there are others likewise not ready and others quite unwilling to lead. So, the elected elite do seem to be necessary, if for no other reason than that no one but them really wants the responsibility of leading.

Book link: Aristotle's Politics