Democracy is desirable, not because the ordinary voter has any political wisdom, but because any section of mankind which has a monopoly of power is sure to invent theories designed to prove that the rest of mankind had better do without the good things of life. This is one of the least amiable traits of human nature, but history shows that there is no adequate protection against it except the just distribution of political power throughout all classes and both sexes.
Source: "On vicarious asceticism" [From: Mortals and Others: Bertrand Russell's American Essays, 1931-1935, v.1 (1975)]
More info.: https://russell-j.com/KINYOKU.HTM"