Friday Philosophy

Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) of Geneva had a solid understanding of the Social Contract, that is the nature of the relationship between rulers and the ruled. This statement reflects on the creation of what amounts to a truly democratic aristocracy:

"Hereditary aristocracy is the worst of all
governments; but elective aristocracy is
the best, and is an aristocracy properly so
called. Assemblies are more easily held, and
the credit of the State is better sustained.
It is the best and most natural arrangement
that the wisest should govern the many, as
long as they govern for its profit, and
not for their own."