Single Idea 7254

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / d. Representative democracy]

Full Idea

In Utopia, anyone who deliberately tries to get himself elected to a public office is permanently disqualified from holding one.

Gist of Idea

If you try to get elected, you should be permanently barred from seeking office

Source

Thomas More (Utopia [1516], Bk 2)

Book Reference

More,Thomas: 'Utopia', ed/tr. Turner,Paul [Penguin 1965], p.106


A Reaction

This echoes a thought found in Plato (Idea 2149). I've always liked this idea. Why can't we have elections were a group of the best people are invited to stand? Well, yes, it would lead to corruption... Still, the best should be pushed to the front.

Related Idea

Idea 2149 Reluctant rulers make a better and more unified administration [Plato]