Plato argued the only fit rulers are the people who least want the job

Plato's Republic argues a just city needs philosophers as kings, or kings turned genuine philosophers, since only someone trained to see truth over power or popularity can rule for everyone's good rather than their own. His preferred candidates are famously reluctant: real philosophers would rather stay in contemplation, and have to be compelled to govern at all. Political theory still argues over whether wisdom or accountability should come first in choosing who rules.

— Plato, The Republic — Book V, c. 375 BC
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