Douglas Carswell's Blog

Machiavelli on crowd-sourcing

It might sound very Silicon Valley and modern, but crowd-sourcing decisions seems to have been recommended by sixteenth century schemer, Niccolo Machiavelli.

According to Jonathan Powell’s must-read New Machiavelli, the old Machiavelli suggested that a wise ruler should not“ignore public opinion in regard to .... the distribution of offices;  for here the populace, when left to itself, does not make mistakes. .... if sometimes it does, its mistakes are rare in comparison with those that would occur if the few had to make such a distribution”.

In other words, wise leaders harness the wisdom of crowds.  

Perhaps David Cameron needs to consider some sort of public confirmation hearing for his key appointments?  Who, for example, is the best Brit to take on the role of UK ambassador to the EU?  Let the people's tribunes decide.

Back to all posts