I understand you very well. I was in politics during the fall of Iron Curtain in 89–90. It was only on a regional level and I was too young, but I could see how it all works. I really believed that when corrupt politicians are replaced with virtuous ones, it would make a difference. However, when I witnessed what kind of people emerged (in the vacuum that followed when the old system went down) and usurped the power, I became disillusioned. First category were literal mobs, gang leaders. The second category were people from old structures that quickly grasped the situation and turned the coats. All of us who basically made the revolution happen were pushed aside, because while we made the changes, they build (loud and vocal) followings. Physical attacks of political opponents were not uncommon. Business sphere then became populated with the same kind of people (new born and old mafias and people who already were at the top during the old system and had their networks and access to resources). Till this day our society wrestles with the consequences.

With that being said, I firmly believe, that any change of power is, as you aptly noted, only exchange of elites. Whether established, those previously hidden in shadows, or new, forcing their way with brute force.

As a side note, I used Buddhist values and poisons just as examples. Only in hindsight, I realized that with combination with my nick it may give the impression that I push specifically for Buddhism. Which is not the case.

Personally, I am an advocate of the concept of enlightenment (or knowing oneself) as a starting point in building the future society. This “concept”, as I found out, is present and almost identical in all traditions across the world.

The problem I see with politics as such (but also meritocracy and basically any hierarchical society) is when a social position is tied to direct benefits. Then the particular social position naturally attracts all kinds of frauds who are in it only for gain (greed). To illustrate: “The basic annual salary for an MP from 1 April 2019 is £79,468,” “The monthly pre-tax salary of MEPs, under the single statute, is € 8.757,70 (as of July 2018). This salary comes from Parliament’s budget. All MEPs pay EU tax and insurance contributions, after which the salary is € 6.824,85.”

And this is true not only for politics but also for working positions and sadly also religion. Greed oversaturates profitable areas with people who have no interest in the area itself but the profit it may bring (look at today’s Silicon Valley or “spiritual” business).

But I basically agree with you that human society lacks natural leaders and authorities (I guess, that’s what it all boils down to). In my eyes it does not matter if they are politicians or “elders”. The name’s not important. But it’s a Catch 22 — people who lack virtue follow those who enable and support their indulgences.

I’m afraid that we have to build a virtuous society from bottom up.