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If everyone knew about this, democracy might be more effective. We would only elect depressed people to positions of power, favoring their superior acumen. The

by pierrec 10y ago

If everyone knew about this, democracy might be more effective. We would only elect depressed people to positions of power, favoring their superior acumen. The most convincing speeches would be nihilist considerations on the uselessness of trying and the futility of life, then we would know, "this is the one who sees things as they are". One issue, though, might be that the military commander in chief might try to use that power against themselves. Edit: Reading further into the article, it seems my utopia is actually unrealistic, how unfortunate.

gerbilly 10y ago
>We would only elect depressed people to positions of power, favoring their superior acumen. Like Abraham Lincoln for example? He was famously depressed, and thought after he gave it that the famous Gettysburg Address was a dud. [1] http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2005/10/lincolns-great-depression/304247/ http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2005/10/lincolns...
- spangry 10y ago
  Winston Churchill is another good example of a depressed (or possibly bipolar) leader (Churchill's "black dog"). Interesting that they are both war-time leaders. On Lincoln, the recorded remarks of a fellow Illinois legislator are particularly interesting (from the article): "He Sought company, and indulged in fun and hilarity without restraint, or Stint as to time[.] Still when by himself, he told me that he was so overcome with mental depression, that he never dare carry a knife in his pocket."
hash-set 10y ago
I think a simple alcohol and drug screen of candidates would do wonders. You would be amazed how many politicians are full blown, abusive alcoholics.
gragas 10y ago
>We would only elect depressed people to positions of power, favoring their superior acumen. Or you could elect intelligent non-depressed people. Being depressed is not a qualifier for being intelligent.

by pierrec 10y ago

gerbilly 10y ago

>We would only elect depressed people to positions of power, favoring their superior acumen. Like Abraham Lincoln for example? He was famously depressed, and thought after he gave it that the famous Gettysburg Address was a dud. [1] http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2005/10/lincolns-great-depression/304247/ http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2005/10/lincolns...

spangry 10y ago
Winston Churchill is another good example of a depressed (or possibly bipolar) leader (Churchill's "black dog"). Interesting that they are both war-time leaders. On Lincoln, the recorded remarks of a fellow Illinois legislator are particularly interesting (from the article): "He Sought company, and indulged in fun and hilarity without restraint, or Stint as to time[.] Still when by himself, he told me that he was so overcome with mental depression, that he never dare carry a knife in his pocket."

hash-set 10y ago

I think a simple alcohol and drug screen of candidates would do wonders. You would be amazed how many politicians are full blown, abusive alcoholics.

gragas 10y ago

>We would only elect depressed people to positions of power, favoring their superior acumen. Or you could elect intelligent non-depressed people. Being depressed is not a qualifier for being intelligent.