2500 years ago, when Buddha walked in India, there was a city called Vaishali, was a direct democracy. The men of the city directly elected their council, who manage the government of city. Because of this democracy, the city was able to protect itself against bigger and powerful kingdoms. It had remained unbeatable over fifty years.
Amrapali a most beautiful woman was born in Vaishali, She was a desire of most of men of city. Men desired her to become a city-prostitute, so she belongs to all the men of the city. The matter was taken in the council. She was offered a privilege position of the city prostitute, a respectful position with lots of benefit. Amrapali did not want to take this position. She wanted to marry and become housewife. The council decided to vote. The head of council, urge not go on that path, against desire of Amrapali, but the men of city voted as they desire. Amrapali was forced to become the city –protitute against her wish by democratic vote. The council head’s wisdom was not heard.
Several years’ later, Amrapali was visited by neighbouring king. Because Amrapali’s palace was protected area, he could stay there easily, without being recognise. He learnt about all the weakness of Vaishali and several months later he attacked Vaishali and destroyed it. Democracy is powerful, but also needs wisdom to succeed. All democratic decision cannot be right.