"Against this, we have to contend with the fact that even a wretch like Hitler was able to move crowds-and quite powerfully and world-historically at that. Everything about Hitler was warped, his character (ethos), the arguments he used (logos), and the emotions that he sought to instil (pathos), but, still, people followed him in their droves because they themselves were wretched and warped."
"In the , Aristotle says that, compared to states with a large middle class, states of the rich and poor tend to strict oligarchy ("rule by a few") or rampant democracy, and, ultimately, to tyranny. Unfortunately, few states have a large middle class, so that the middle, balanced form of government is rare. According to Aristotle, a democracy becomes preferable when the quantity of the poor exceeds the quality of the rich. Otherwise, an oligarchy is preferable."
Wretched leaders with warped character, faulty arguments, and manipulative emotions can still attract large followings because followers can share those distortions. Classical views held that the ideal orator pairs philosophical wisdom and virtue, while mere sophists produce demagogues. The bedrock of stable democracy is an affluent, educated middle class that can mediate between rich and poor. States polarized between wealth and poverty tend toward oligarchy, chaotic democracy, or tyranny. Few states possess a robust middle class, making balanced government rare. Strengthening the economy and expanding education to grow and include the middle class in governance helps defend democracies against demagogues.
Read at Psychology Today
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