Democracy is often seen as the “perfect system,” so much so that it has become idolized and idealized across the globe. In nearly every country, democracy exists in some form, hailed as the ultimate solution to governance. Yet, the democracy we revere so dearly may not be as true or attainable as we believe. Humanity as a species may be inherently incapable of fully committing to the principles of democracy due to our instincts, which have been programmed through millions of years of evolution. As Costica Bradatan argues in "Democracy Is for the Gods," the very essence of democracy conflicts with human nature, making it an elusive and fragile ideal rather than a sustainable reality. This essay will explore why democracy might not be the most …show more content…
While democracy in Athens upheld the core ideal of equality, modern versions often fall short, resembling oligarchy more than true democracy. As Bradatan explains, ancient Athens embraced radical democratic principles designed to mitigate human tendencies toward power-seeking and self-assertion. One such principle was **sortition**, the random selection of public officials by lot, which ensured that every citizen had an equal chance of holding power. Unlike modern democracies, where political elites often rise to power through wealth, influence, and connections, the Athenian system sought to eliminate the opportunity for individuals to dominate others. As Bradatan points out, "elections would have struck at the heart of democracy" for the Athenians, since elections allow for self-assertion and unequal power dynamics. But there was a second principle called **ostracization** which further reflected the Athenians’ understanding of democracy’s fragility and the dangers of charismatic leadership. When a citizen gains too much popularity or influence, they could be exiled for ten years, not as punishment but as a safeguard against potential threats to democratic equality. Bradatan uses this example to show how ancient Athenians recognized that humans are naturally drawn to power and seduction, making democracy difficult to maintain. By preemptively removing overly influential figures, Athenians attempted to protect the system from being undermined by authoritarian tendencies. Despite these safeguards, Bradatan argues that democracy, even in its most radical form, remains vulnerable to the flaws of human nature, a lesson that resonates in modern political systems where the concentration of power in the hands of the few continues to challenge the democratic ideal. Considering the complexities and challenges highlighted in this paragraph, it becomes evident that democracy