Question

A moot question to be considered is whether democratic form of government is a boon or bane, no matter what Lincoln might or might not have said. Rather his most (in?) famous adage, 'by the people, for the people and of the people' misses the most pertinent question; which. attitude works behind when a person declares that he is a (or the right?) candidate to serve the people, and does not hesitate to contest and fight tooth and nail the election, an euphemism for battle with or without bullets. Admittedly, the covert attitude is different from overt attitude. Hardly anyone contests the election unwillingly. A contestant is not persuaded by anyone, but driven by his own passions and dubious motives. Contrast this picture with Socrates' version; no honest man willingly takes up the job of ruler. If at all he accepts, he does so for fear of being ruled by one made up of inferior mettle. It is beyond even the wildest imagination, to expect an honest person to contest the election.

According to the above passage, which one of the following correctly differentiates Lincoln's and Socrates' analyses?

Options

• the nature of democracy

• merits and demerits of politicians

• qualities of election

• difference in mind set of respective men

Answer 1

difference in mind set of respective men

Explanation:

According to Lincoln, no contestant to a democratic election takes part in it unwillingly. Rather he is driven by his own passions and motives. Socrates has a  contrasting view on this and suggests that no honest man seeks democratic election willingly and does so only when he fears that he may otherwise serve under an inferior man.