POLITICIANS VS DEGREES

 Why Politicians Don't Need Degrees (and Why Your Bank Manager Does)

​Have you ever stopped to think about it? We live in a world obsessed with certifications. You need a degree to be a doctor, a license to cut hair, and a certificate to work at a bank. But to run for the highest office in the land, a diploma isn't required.

​At first glance, it seems absurd. Shouldn't the people making decisions about our healthcare, economy, and foreign policy be the most educated among us? This line of thinking is logical, but it misses a fundamental point about the purpose of democracy.

​It's About Representation, Not Resumes

​The core of this issue lies in the difference between a job and a calling. A bank manager's job requires a specific, measurable skill set. They need to understand financial regulations, accounting principles, and risk management. If they make a mistake, it can have immediate, quantifiable consequences. Their degree and certifications prove they have the technical knowledge to do the job.

​A politician's role is different. It's about representation. Their primary job isn't to be an expert in every field, but to be a voice for the people. A farmer who's worked the land for 40 years might understand agricultural policy better than an academic. A community organizer might have more practical knowledge about poverty than an economist.

​A politician's most valuable asset is their ability to understand, connect with, and represent the concerns of their constituents. This kind of wisdom isn't found in a textbook; it's gained from life.

​The Oligarchy Trap

​There's also a deeper, more philosophical reason for this democratic design. Mandating a university degree could create a system where only a small, educated elite can hold power. We call this an oligarchy.

​If a degree is the price of entry into politics, power would inevitably become concentrated in the hands of the wealthy and privileged, who have the easiest access to higher education. Democracy is founded on the idea that anyone can rise to power, regardless of their social class or background. By keeping the door open, the system ensures that the government can truly reflect the diverse experiences of its people, from the factory floor to the boardroom.

​A government full of experts might be efficient, but a government that truly represents its people is the foundation of a healthy democracy.

​The Real Qualification Is Your Vote

​In the end, the system trusts you, the voter, to be the final judge. You have the ultimate power to decide who is qualified to lead.

​So, while your bank manager's certificate gives you confidence in their financial skills, a politician's qualification is something far more powerful: the trust of the people they serve.