Creature or Necessity: The Existence of Leaders in Governance

Leadership is an inherent human trait, a reflection of our social nature and the need for organized collective action. The idea of a world devoid of politicians, traditionally seen as leaders, politicians, and representatives, raises intriguing questions. This article explores the concept of a society where leadership is either absent or distributed through novel forms of governance, such as futarchy (voting on values and betting on beliefs).

From Ancient Greece to Modern Democracies

Historically, certain forms of governance have experimented with eliminating traditional leadership roles. In ancient Greece, officials were chosen through a lottery system, not elections. While this method might seem random to us today, it highlighted the idea of shared responsibility and citizen participation. Similarly, in legal contexts, juries draw upon a pool of individuals to make decisions through a system of deliberation. Could a similar process be applied to the legislative branch of a country?

A more radical notion is the future of leadership as proposed by the idea of futarchy. Futarchy combines the concepts of direct democracy (voting on values) and technocracy (betting on beliefs) to determine governance decisions. This hybrid model suggests a more objective approach to policy-making, where decisions are based on data and forecasts rather than political maneuvering.

The Human Condition and Political Necessity

Regardless of the governance structure, the basic human condition remains. Everywhere people exist, they have desires, wants, and sometimes suffer due to ignorance and foolishness. This inherent complexity necessitates leadership, whether it's in the form of traditional politicians or other types of leaders. In many dictatorships, politics and its players thrive, even without formal political structures.

The definition of a politician is a leader who assumes some form of governance, and this role is likely to persist. Even in modern democracies, power is gained through appealing to the people. This requires a certain level of oratory and influence, which often translates to political language and behavior. Notable examples include figures such as Jesse Ventura, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Al Franken, who entered politics after former careers in wrestling, acting, and comedy, respectively.

Seeking a Utopian Ideal

The quest for a world without politicians is not solely a theoretical exercise; it represents a utopian ideal where the complexities and flaws of human nature are diminished. However, achieving such a world may be practically impossible. In every system, some individuals will rise to the position of leaders, be it kings, emperors, or elected officials. Democracy, for instance, requires citizens to choose their leaders, a process that inevitably involves political strategies and campaign promises.

Moreover, the idea of a "non-politician politician" like Donald Trump illustrates the paradox of leadership. Even individuals who start their careers outside of traditional political roles are often co-opted into the field due to their ability to lead and connect with voters. Mahatma Gandhi's transformation into a political leader is a prime example of how external roles can transition into political positions.

The language and mannerisms adopted by politicians arise from the need to appeal to diverse and often conflicting interests. The challenge of expressing an opinion while also considering opposing views necessitates a certain level of pragmatism and eloquence. While this may sometimes be seen as manipulative, it is a reflection of the pragmatic realities of political leadership.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the notion of a world without politicians is appealing in theory, the human condition and the need for coordination and governance will continue to necessitate some form of leadership. Whether through traditional political systems, futarchic models, or other innovative methods, leadership in some form will persist. The challenge lies in refining and adapting these systems to better serve the common good and minimize the negative aspects of leadership and politics.