10 Things Plato Hates About Democracy

Plato warned that democracy was particularly susceptible to the rise of demagogues

Nicholas Holt—Monday July 3, 2023

Plato harboured a deep disdain for democracy. His animosity was attributed to the inherent flaws he believed were embedded within its structure. His criticism stemmed from the conviction that democracy, as a political system, failed to prioritise wisdom and rationality in decision-making.

According to Plato, the masses were susceptible to irrational impulses, easily swayed by charismatic orators who exploited their emotions rather than appealing to reason.

Moreover, he argued that democracy lacked a stringent mechanism for selecting competent leaders, as positions of power were often filled by individuals skilled in manipulation rather than those possessing true knowledge and expertise.

Plato saw this as a grave danger, as he believed that a just and harmonious society could only be achieved through the guidance of philosopher-kings who had devoted their lives to the pursuit of wisdom and virtue.

To him, democracy's inherent instability and susceptibility to demagoguery made it an inherently flawed system that would inevitably descend into chaos and corruption, stifling genuine progress and undermining the greater good.

10 things Plato Hates About Democracy

1. Instability: Plato believed that democracies were prone to instability due to their reliance on the ever-changing opinions and desires of the majority. He argued that frequent shifts in policy and leadership would disrupt long-term planning and hinder the pursuit of cohesive goals. Plato emphasised the importance of stability in governance to ensure effective decision-making and the continuity of societal progress.