day no. 16,660: despotism is a tired democracy

“If there is one fact we really can prove, from the history that we really do know, it is that despotism can be a development, often a late development and very often indeed the end of societies that have been highly democratic. A despotism may almost be defined as a tired democracy. As fatigue falls on a community, the citizens are less inclined for that eternal vigilance which has truly been called the price of liberty; and they prefer to arm only one single sentinel to watch the city while they sleep.” — G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man

If everyone agrees to let one man lead, is that despotism or is that democracy? The answer is yes. 

The danger of democracy is that citizens are not fixed stars. Since individuals are wandering planets, you cannot depend on them for navigation. In other words, you cannot determine where to go or how to get there by looking merely to people. Democracy makes the voice of the people into the voice of God since whatever the majority wants is what constitutes a standard. Standards accepted in this manner are not lofty ideals that some strive to live up to, but the lowest common denominators to which anyone can fall. Even in systems of democracy aimed at giving voice to the minority, the majority can simply vote to stop doing that.

Christ is the only standard that holds since He holds everything else together.

Colossians 1:16-17

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 

Christ is the only standard upon which you can hang everything since He alone is fixed and firm.

Ecclesiastes 12:11

The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one Shepherd.

His Word holds firm.

Matthew 7:24-25

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Despotism may be a worn out democracy,

but Christendom is a church militant.