fbpx

Kakistocracy, Meritocracy and Statesmanship

We learned yesterday that a “kakistocracy” is government by the least competent citizens of a state. I would call them politicians.

What would we call a government where the most capable and virtuous rule? 

We would call that “meritocracy” or rule by statesmen and women. A statesperson is not necessarily a person of academic letters or degrees. But they possess common sense and truth’s wisdom. A statesman/woman is a person who sees where the world is, where it should be, and then inserts themselves to move forward the cause of liberty. 

What are the virtues of such a character? 

1. A bedrock of principles. A broad understanding and application of natural laws that are external to us and ultimately control the consequences of our actions. 

2. They possess a strong moral compass of right and wrong and put that compass on “true north.” A strong moral compass informs character.

3. A vision. The meritocratic statesperson has a vision for what the world should become based on natural law and self-evident truths. Vision is informed by an understanding of the ideal and how it collides with human nature. Good governance checks and balances human nature. 

4. Such a leader knows how to build consensus and find the “golden mean” to support that vision. The “golden mean” is not compromise for consensus or agreement but a quest to defend the truth and build towards it.

As we discovered with the founders, the truth was that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights to govern themselves and to choose those who will govern over them. We are still becoming. Let’s choose statespersons who will guide us to a more perfect union based on such a noble vision. One such statesman is Kevin Kiley. Review his vision, principles and character. Such statesmanship is needed today more than ever. 

Published by Dean Forman

I am co-founder and CEO of the John Adams Academies, an institution that is perhaps the most unique charter school system in America today. The Academies’ curriculum is designed to give its students an American Classical Leadership Education®. This is an education that pursues truth, beauty and goodness and turns its scholars outward in search of those whom they can serve in becoming servant leaders. This website is dedicated to sharing the concepts of an American Classical Leadership Education with its readers so that more citizens can benefit from the truth, virtue and wisdom of the past. The thoughts and opinions I share on this page are my personal views.

Leave a Reply