Science Lesson on Autocratic Rule

There is an immutable law in physics, the second law of thermodynamics, that any isolated system not receiving the input of energy (work) from the outside will tend toward states of greater disorder.

Examining human history, one might suspect another immutable law: that societies will progress to autocratic rule if there is no effort (work) to resist this trend.

A recent survey concluded that over seventy percent of the world’s population exists under autocratic rule. ^{footnote 1} This seems to be the norm these days and in the past. Republics in democratic countries throughout history represent exceptions.  Why have most societies tended toward an autocratic government? There are several factors. Certainly, one is the individual’s desire for power over others. This may be a human trait, one of our “darker angels”.  While this concentration of power can occasionally be ruthless, it often depends on the willingness and cooperation of people, highlighting the role of human complacency.

After the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what kind of government had been chosen. He famously replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”  He seemed to understand that the natural trend would be toward autocracy. ^{footnote 2}

Why do we humans so often fall into autocracy? As previously implied, part of the answer may be compliant subjects, complacency, even indolence. 

Sorry to be harsh. Here are some supporting observations:

1. In the US, congress has abrogated much of its legislative role to the executive branch. Although some actions were justified during emergencies, authority was not returned to its constitutional state once normal conditions resumed.
2. A large portion of the eligible population in the United States does not vote. I can see no excuse for this.
3. Free press is given special mention in the first amendment to the US Constitution. Good journalism requires hard work. Though we all recognize journalism’s importance, this has not diminished the closing of local newspapers and the cutting back of others in large and small cities because of declining readership. Reading and gathering information by citizens of our society requires work.  We seem to be a bit lazy in this regard. Scanning the internet headlines does not qualify as information gathering.
4. We avoid civil conversations with those who may disagree. Civility requires effort.
5. Perhaps we are overwhelmed with the demanding tasks of daily living, leaving little time for thinking.  However, life was never easy for our ancestors, and many of them were able to accomplish much using good judgement and staying informed.

Examples in recent history of periods of autocracy (a partial list in alphabetical order). ^footnote3

1. Burma (Miramar)
2. Chile
3. China (Has in recent memory had rule of a single individual)
4. Germany (Nazis in the 1930s – early 1940s)
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo
6. Hungary
7. Italy (During Mussolini, 1930s – early 1940s))
8. Russia
9. Spain (During Franco)
10. North Korea
11. Uganda
12. Venezuela

Because of their experiences, older folks can, at times, be a repository of valuable information, even wisdom.  Making mistakes along the journey is an effective way to learn.  Consequently, history remains our best guide for predicting the future. Even though our current state does not precisely align with the past, it is similar.  A quote, often mistakenly credited to Mark Twain, and something that many have observed, is that “it rhymes.”    

Hope for the future must originate from youth.  Students, for whom this blog is written, will perhaps forgive advice from a cranky old man. Compassion and understanding from all quarters will be needed if our countries are to be successful.

A few positive indications:

1. Very patriotic older officials have recently decided not to seek reelection, realizing that intellectual powers generally tend to start diminishing after the seventh decade of life.
2. Younger voters are becoming more active in politics, running for office, and being elected.
3. More women are being elected to office. In my experience (and humble opinion), they seem to be generally better informed and more thoughtful.

Cycles occur. In human history, changes typically begin when it becomes clear that a path being taken is not working. These will be interesting times for young people; one hopes a more thoughtful generation will soon be coming to the fore.

¹ From 247 WallSt.com

² From the Washington Post

³ From the Encyclopedia Britanica