Chapter 14 Part 2

Implementation: The question naturally arises how one should best select a Shaper. Our present Shaper was selected because of some unique characteristics. We do not debate that these characteristics make for an excellent Shaper, but that there are others with similar complementary characteristics. The chief necessary characteristic is an ability to see the likeliest probabilities of a given implementation. Plato suggested the best form of government would likely come from a philosopher-king. Minus the king part, we are inclined to agree with him. Hence, there should be a general election for the Shaper council every so often consisting of those people who fit the definition of what it means to be a Shaper. Since over time people begin to confuse the appearance for the substance, potential Shapers ought to pass a test that relies on the recognition of wisdom as opposed to intelligence. This test must permute as wisdom permutes. Those who pass should be considered for candidacy.

Limitations: Obviously the biggest limitations to our suggestion concern the variables involved. The two safeguards are points of failure. The first safeguard is the test. If the test becomes something standardized and easily sought as opposed to a tool designed to weed out those who should not be Shapers, our first safeguard is circumvented. The second safeguard is the election. If people are taken in by appearance without substance, then the second safeguard is circumvented. They have a chance to remedy any mistakes with the election taking place on whatever regular basis is decided upon, but the risk becomes that elections become rolling spectacles with no one qualified to hold the position of Shaper and instead have a lust for the power of the position Shaper endows. If society becomes corrupt to this point, no safeguard will protect it.

Conclusion: It is earnestly hoped that having a council with numbers of Shapers on it will prevent society from corruption. At the very least, as long as one Shaper holds out as uncorrupted, the there is a check on the power of others. Even though this system is not perfect, it is the best we can think of and consider it far superior to having a single Shaper. After all, our current Shaper will not always be able to hold the position now occupied. It is far better to have some plan in place for his eventual departure than it is to assume another equally qualified candidate will replace him.

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