Do you think **you** can become a benevolent dictator without ever getting corrupted or turn evil?
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I could make the hard choices if needed, once there. Because at that point it's about what is the greater good. Even if you really can't say for certain, someone making a bad call is most often better than no one making a decision.
The problem is that in order to become a benevolent dictator, you have to chose to hurt people that don't matter to the greater good, or very likely are important to the well being of the population. With the only justification being that maybe by consolidating power you can make the world a better place. And there is just no way to square that circle other than violent narcissism.
That’s the thing though. I think after acquiring the power you need to keep on stepping on some people to stay in the position. You likely don’t have infinite resources so there’s always going to be someone who missies out. Also what about people meaning to harm you or your subjects?
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Yeah pretty sure all evil deeds start with good intentions. So, no. I would very likely mess up my own head by thinking I’m doing the right thing, and if I’m secure in my position as the leader, I’d have a big load of yes men hovering around enforcing and enabling my every thought and idea, be it good or not. Most likely it’ll tend towards the “not good” side over time, and at some point everything just gets distorted and convoluted and by that point, there’ll be no return. And if I’m not secure in my position, then I’ll be dead and replaced before I can spell out my first decree as the ruler. If I’m to be good, I’ll not be ready for the bad coming my way. If I’m ready for the bad shit, I have to be ready to dispense my own bad shit. And that, then, wraps into my first point.
There’s no way that would work if I was truly benevolent. I don’t believe it’s sustainable or even possible to lead as a dictator that is good or benevolent.
Edit: that’s in practical terms. Let’s not even begin with the ideals — can one really ever be both benevolent or just generally good, and a dictator? I believe not. Sharing the burden and the authority would almost always be the more moral choice, not to mention more plausible in terms of lasting.
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This is explained in the "the rules for rulers" video from cgpgrey, which condenses the book "the dictators handbook".
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That’s the thing though. I think after acquiring the power you need to keep on stepping on some people to stay in the position. You likely don’t have infinite resources so there’s always going to be someone who missies out. Also what about people meaning to harm you or your subjects?
Once you're in power you can rationalize/justify their loss against the greater good that your leadership has brought to the people. There are concrete examples of human progress to defend. If there are significant counter examples, then it's you that's the problem to be dealt with, just like any other.
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Benevolent dictator is an oxymoron. The most benevolent thing a dictator can do is dismantle their dictatorship.
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Hael No!
I'd end up making a dystopic country/nation where people are suffering while I get the brightest scientists to work on genetically modifying the human body so I could become closer to looking like my fursona.
That, and having people on the far left and far right being thrown into prison.
Just normal every day things from someone who's a little paranoid.
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The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
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seems contradictory, dictators are almost never benevolent. They wouldn't be a dictator if they were benevolent. the only thing they do is immediately cede power to a " council or a elected persons. unless you mean something like diety that is benevolent, ruling from the "shadows" through another leader.
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I could be benevolent and part of the population would be still against me (slumlords, libertarians, nazis).
After some attempts to kill me I doubt I couldn’t become aggressive against the population who wronged me.
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if I were magically made dictator somehow, no I don't think so. but I'm not cutthroat enough to become a dictator in the first place.
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It is inevitable that an opposition would form against you. You either let the movement continue to gain traction and risk unseating you or you use your power in a corrupt manner to silence them.
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It is inevitable that an opposition would form against you. You either let the movement continue to gain traction and risk unseating you or you use your power in a corrupt manner to silence them.
Not if you preemptively make what would be an opposition ideology illegal when making the country's constitution
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Oh goodness no. I pray I never come into any real political power.
For fun I've already run the numbers on how many adult humans will fit into the cargo holds of a decommissioned Panamax bulker.
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It is inevitable that an opposition would form against you. You either let the movement continue to gain traction and risk unseating you or you use your power in a corrupt manner to silence them.
In this particular case, it depends what you define as corrupt. If you are truly working towards the betterment of everyone under your power (even those that you are fighting against), then what becomes justifiable to that end?
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Yes. But I'd probably be killed by someone who will
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seems contradictory, dictators are almost never benevolent. They wouldn't be a dictator if they were benevolent. the only thing they do is immediately cede power to a " council or a elected persons. unless you mean something like diety that is benevolent, ruling from the "shadows" through another leader.
I disagree; it’s probably very rare that someone who wishes well for all people comes to power, but I don’t think it’s impossible. Think about any tribe that all respects a leader to the point of worship, and encourages him to become their commanding leader, for his view to be regarded above all others.
It’s a very unstable society, given that this leader couldn’t take the position forever, but he could make good decisions alone.
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Yep.
I actually want to see these cultures change.
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I know I can cause I'd really rather not be a dictator. I take responsibility for EVERYONE all the fuckong time trying to care for that many and feeling the pain and guilt if I fail even one will fuck me up and I'd rather just not do it. Only in extreme times like rn would I even consider it but I'll probably off my self when the reign ends cause I let some kid die because I didn't get healthcare to them fast enough. I'm a softie.
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For a couple months, maybe. Anyone who says yes absolutely is someone who shouldn't be trusted with power.
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Yes because I will immediately work on making a sustainable democracy, eventually having checks and balances
