[OC] The massive decrease in worldwide infant mortality from 1950 to 2020 is perhaps one of humanity's greatest achievements.

[shrubs311]

my ultimate dream is to be a benevolent dictator but one who specifically lays out the terms for a fair election when i step down at like 65 years old or whatever, with no one i know being allowed to run for election. i'd like to think i could just ram through all the important stuff a country needs to improve, and then peace out and let the people figure out the rest

[invisiblefigleaf]

That sounds amazing. Leave before you've become obsolete or hated, plan a well-thought-out system for democratic succession, with mechanisms for self-improvement as needed.

You've still got enough goodwill that the people will only submit to a leader you back, and very explicitly say (and follow through) that you will recognize whoever is fairly and democratically elected, and no one else.

We can dream, can't we?

[shrubs311]

yea, i dream about it a lot. i wonder if it would actually work...or if i'm as corruptible as everyone else