I don't believe it was undemocratic. Democracy works when everyone is burying the dead.

At that time, extreme politicians can't develop a critical mass of supporters. That allowed those with an interest in a better world the freedom to do what they felt best--based on their understanding of historical outcomes.

This is why I always say we're in WWIII now. Nothing will change until millions upon millions, perhaps billions are dead. From Plato to you, what's needed for a healthy society is known. Most people don't read or think about history at all. They only think about the thing they want in front of them--as you point out.

You can't clean up a party while it's going. You have to wait until everyone is passed out. I wish it wasn't that way but I see no solution because there's nothing wrong with most people that reasoning with won't aggravate...in my experience!