>>>As I recall it (eons later) it was the philosopher kings would could see what was really happening. That always seemed arrogant to this scion of working class Irish folk.
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>Yes, well a scion who knows how to use "scion" need not play yokel. ;-)
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>>>My philosophy 101 prof told us that we can only be sure that A=B or something other than B- not very helpful.
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>Which is where those philosopher kings come in. The unschooled may scoff at the idea that the more you know, the more you realize you don't know but to avoid uncertainty as a recipe for inaction or committee, or (worse) a driver towards the seductive selfishness of absolute certainty, bring on the philosopher kings who call themselves students as they deliver peace and prosperity for all. Rather than an antisocial 1% with no care for the muppets, please give me philosopher kings. Or even better, queens.

It's hard to find examples of these savants succeeding in western history,
Probably the closest was Charlemagne. He was a political genius. Every time i pay my county taxes, i'm using methods established by Charlemagne