Little Hawk

That's correct, if the only things you define AS "the alternatives" are ARE the things that have already been tried AND that are worse.

What all the alternatives to rule by the majority (past, present and future) have in common is that they are rule by a minority, possibly of one. I don't believe this can ever be a good thing.

our present version of what we call "democracy"

Is that democracy?

Slag

Perhaps self interest is the wrong term. Self indulgence to the exclusion of concern for others. Unbridled hedonism? Greed? Want or wantonness? Amoral or immoral self pursuits? I'm hitting all around it but I'm sure you get my drift.

That the heaving masses would be better off ruled by a select elite of virtuous, intelligent people such as yourself?