When an autocracy (like a king/queen ruler) is better than a democracy

*note: a plutocracy (rule by the “wealthy”) may be considered an intermediate (see “rulers” in the 4 score) to the extremes ideals of autocracy and democracy. though in today’s society, wealth seems to be largely misguided or not valuing the real best interest of the current and long-term interest of all humans (and nonhumans)  in society, one can imagine with better/appropriate notions of value/money, wealth can be much more deserved/respected by all (“wealth” like sai baba speaks of hyr). also, see associated news article category here.

example in context: Sadhguru gives an example of modern India's cultural fit of less conducive to a bottom-up ("0") than a top-down ("5"). Maybe a 3 or 4.

example 2: Overall, modern societal attitude toward monarchy or leader/higher class is often more negative than it should be (hear Sw. Chinmayananda talk about a weakened Brahmin class (@ 13:55)). (but when the monarchy is based primarily on fear, selfishness, and bad competitiveness / making money to beat over your fellow American/man (which is what seems to be the '25 Trump administration’s priorities/ethos in the apparent shift toward a more authoritarian government)...)

5- god knows (and like “divine rule”) when the people are actually very  ignorant of what is truly best for them, and especially have a false confidence in their misguided beliefs that can cause societal illness to spread even more

4-  when (some of) the people (sometimes) do know what it takes for - or when they (sometimes) behave toward - a good society, and having the leadership of (a) righteous/wise ruler(s) will be of great help toward that end

3- not as ideal as 4, but getting there (or, going toward 2?)

2- not as ideal as 1, but getting there (or, going toward 3?)

1- in the real world that will have problems, when the people are fortunately knowing (from external authority, like science for example) of what needs to be done for a healthy, uplifted, beautiful society, and actually are (enabled to (from external authority, like government for example) doing right actions such that that beauty is evident

0- in an ideal world where everybody is perfect citizens that live perfectly and there is no need for any external government as everybody is wise enough to be as a king/queen in their own world

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[added Feb. 5, 2026]

How much structure does one need? (0-5 examples/descriptions)

notes:

*this grading can be correlated to the above scale

*theory - the more one believes in being a part of the group/activity, the higher the structure they are willing to take on

5 - military-like; rehab/addiction transitional living 4 - company/work culture with firm expectations, policies, requirements, structures; governmental orgs

3 - playing on a sports team 2 - a job where there are basic and less than normal expectations, structure, guidance, and the employee/worker is mostly expected to figure things out & perform their duties on their own 1 - minimal, threshold learning/reminding using AI, DIY material on the internet, through books or a class, then taking initiative to put it into action, or freelance work 0 - nothing, totally self governing, taking initiative, self navigating (and CAN be independent, but NOT necessary to be)