Democracy as the Most Natural Form of Government

What we have now is more inclusive than the ancient version!

Democracy: Natural, but Not Always Perfect, and That’s Quite Alright

Democracy seems to be the most natural form of government, emerging wherever people have the freedom to shape their political destinies. Yet, as we enthusiastically celebrate democracy's virtues, it’s essential to remember that not every grand experiment in self-governance has been a resounding success. Moreover, democracy comes in different flavors. Take the French Revolution, for instance—a chaotic bloodbath driven by abstract ideals and utopian fantasies that devolved into madness. Those revolutionaries aimed for a utopia but ended up with the guillotine—a sharp reminder that not every quest for "the will of the people" leads to paradise.

Athens: The Birthplace of Democracy

Democracy first took root in Athens, Greece, around the 5th century BCE. This was a direct democracy, where citizens themselves decided on laws and policies rather than electing representatives. Groundbreaking? Absolutely. But let’s not forget, this was a tiny, homogeneous society where only a select few were allowed to participate. While Athens established the principle of 'people's power' (demos-kratos), it’s a far cry from the inclusive systems we tout today.

As societies grew, direct democracy became increasingly impractical. Enter representative democracy—where citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them. Sure, some purists might dismiss this as a diluted form of democracy, but let’s be realistic—no one has the time to vote on every trivial matter in a nation of millions. Representative democracy is a necessary evolution, preserving the essence of popular sovereignty while adapting to modern realities.

Was Athens Better Than Today?

Comparing Athenian democracy to today’s representative systems is no simple task. Athens was more direct, but it was also exclusive and worked only within a small, close-knit community. Modern representative democracy, like that in the U.S., is more inclusive and scalable, allowing for broader participation. While some may argue that direct democracy offers purer self-governance, the contemporary system is better suited to large, diverse nations—providing both stability and practicality.

History demonstrates that when power becomes concentrated in the hands of a few, people often awaken to their collective strength and demand democratic reform. This drive suggests that democracy is not merely a political system but a natural state toward which societies evolve. Yet, let’s not fool ourselves—this drive can be misguided, as history has frequently shown.

The French Revolution: A Cautionary Tale

"Let terror be the order of the day!" — Bertrand Barère, September 5, 1793

The French Revolution serves as a textbook example of what happens when abstract ideals are allowed to run unchecked. While the left may romanticize it as a struggle for democracy, conservatives view it as a cautionary tale. The Revolution began with lofty dreams of liberty, equality, and fraternity but swiftly descended into the Reign of Terror—a stark reminder that aiming for utopia can often lead to dystopia. The French traded one tyranny for another, proving that not all revolutions result in societal improvement. This “revolution” also fundamentally differed from the American Revolution, and this difference continues to be a significant issue today.

Karl Marx and the Delusion of Communism

Karl Marx envisioned a world where the proletariat would rise up to overthrow the ruling class, leading to a communist utopia. However, this vision grossly underestimates democracy's natural progression. Marx believed the downtrodden would unite to create a classless, stateless society. History, however, consistently shows that democratic governance, not communism, is the result. Marx was quite mistaken.

Let’s also clear up a common misconception: Marx did not invent socialism or communism.

Democracy's Endurance

Even when democracy is suppressed, it inevitably re-emerges. Authoritarian regimes might seize power, but the democratic spirit endures, eventually restoring democratic systems. This resilience suggests that democracy is not just a form of government but a fundamental expression of human society. It’s a natural state of affairs.

Leftists often advocate for direct democracy, arguing that it empowers the public and reduces elite influence. They dream of a system where everyone votes on everything, believing it would lead to more equitable outcomes. But this is naive. Direct democracy would be a chaotic nightmare—a system where laws could shift with the loudest voices. Activists would wield as much power as elected officials, turning governance into a chaotic mess.

Democracy, in its various forms, remains the most natural and enduring system of governance. While representative democracy may have its critics, it represents a practical evolution of the direct democracy first seen in ancient Athens. Historical events like the French Revolution highlight humanity’s drive toward democratic systems, even in the face of tyranny. Despite Marx’s misguided fantasies, democracy continues to be the most resilient and natural political system, persistently reasserting itself throughout history.

While Athens’ democracy was indeed groundbreaking, modern representative democracy is more inclusive and adaptable to today's complexities. In the end, democracy, in whatever form, aligns with human social evolution—just don’t let anyone convince you that a utopian fantasy is the way forward.