Full Idea
Even if a dictator wants to advance the interests of the people, how are those interests to be known? In a democracy people show their interests, it seems, by voting: they vote for what they want.
Gist of Idea
How can dictators advance the interests of the people, if they don't consult them about interests?
Source
Jonathan Wolff (An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) [2006], 3 'Knowledge')
A Reaction
I suppose a wise and kind despot could observe very carefully, and understand the interests of the people better than they do themselves. Indeed, I very much doubt, in 2017, whether the people know what is good for them.
Book Reference
Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.71