I could BE a benevolent dictator, I could never BECOME a benevolent dictator. The process of getting there would exclude me, because I would reject the power structure needed to form the dictatorship in the first place.
I wouldn’t be fucking kids and sending goon squads after minorities and into cities to harass my political opponents if that is what you are asking.
The ‘not evil’ bar is currently riding on the same high speed train the Republicans put their goalposts on.
No, I don’t think I could.
The problem with dictators is that you put every action under the context of a single person’s perspective. Even if you go in with the best and most altruistic intention, no single person is able to tackle every issue from every angle, and you will inevitably end up committing an injustice by a simple lack of awareness.
Not to mention that many issues are of relative morality to different groups, so to one group you can be a savior but to another you will always be a despot. Whichever interpretation ends up as the definitive one depends on how willing the offended parties are to overthrow you.
A democratic system is not perfect and (depending on perspective) may not be as effectual at bringing out positive change as an altruistic dictator, but the concept of distributed responsibility/distributed blame reduces the likelihood of a coup/revolution (emphasis on reduces, not eliminates) as long as the political apparatus is seen to incorporate or acknowledge everyone’s perspectives in the decision making process.
how dare you question my benevolence. to the pits with you.
Depends how you define “evil”. And if I was hungry or tired when I got this power.
There’s good odds like every Republican official and donor would go directly into a bad time. Some would say that’s evil.
Yes.
I don’t think I could become dictator at all, no.
Seriously, though, power corrupts. I’m not immune. Nor am I immune to being manipulated by those more evil than I, which is another big problem with concentrating power.
“I think I am perhaps the only one honourable enough who can” thinks almost everyone.
Well I wouldn’t view it as evil but extreme measures tend to be viewed as evil by someone
yeah, easily
the problem is staying on top of things to ensure my government doesn’t do things on the side. that sounds exhausting
so, I’d be fine, but I wouldn’t be able to keep government clean. I don’t have those skills
but if everyone does as they’re told? no issues
I would try to turn into a wurm. Maybe my son will finish my work.
Nope. Once you make me dictator, I force a bunch of experts to work out a system of government that will make sure there will be no more dictators after me, and that said government will be obligated to work for the betterment of the populace as a whole without massive disparity. At the same time, I’d hire another bunch of experts to figure out what the first bunch got wrong.
While those two groups are working, I shall decree that in one month we will start executing billionaires starting with the richest and working our way down – but anyone who donates all their ‘excess’ money to the new government or charities and research that I personally approve of before the deadline gets to live. I’m counting all off-shore money, and any attempt to flee the country shall be met with lethal force.
How would you hold power when the powers that be despise you? You think you can rule without military might, will of the people, and the approval of those who owm the resources of the land? The idea of benevolent dictator is broken because of the conditions that you would need to create to even get in power, and to stay in power, would not be benevolent.
If society is at the point where we’re making dictators then you likely have to be an immoral POS to stay in power. At every stage below you there are opportunistic people who want to take your spot.
Even if purest it is heart almost impossible. Main issue is the same with any govt type, corruption. Its easy to be benevolent when everyone on your side. They are plenty of animes/games like this.
When humans are looking out for themselves any progress you want is water down significantly and now “cruelties” need to be enacted to make these types fall in line. Now it becomes do you hit surgically or with a hammer depends on number of factors. Like do you specifically know who or just the departments. Delays are problems because meanwhile these types are probably riling up the masses for their own ends or simply result of selfish actions. Massive pain in butt. Without something like a death note or really amazing internal spy network it be impossible to avoid collateral damage. Even then we are now down the 1984 rabbit hole. All because I couldn’t trust the people I wanted to govern or fulfill my will. Massive Tragedy when I just wanted to give ppl the stars.
Maybe AI govt workers to handle processing with loyalty chips could work. Until some jerk hacks them cause w/e. This why we cant have nice things.
