The Purest Definition of a Dictator

The Purest Definition of a Dictator

Scott Manning
August 16, 2006

When I started the Top Ten Dictators project earlier this year, a few names immediately came to mind: Hitler, Pol Pot, and Castro. But in the crazy world of semantics, words mean different things to different people. Teachers and bosses are referred to as dictators because they're either menacing or their subordinates just don't like them.

I've heard people refer to George W Bush as a dictator. I thought most of them were just trying to be insulting until I received a few emails saying that I should seriously consider him for the project. Other interesting submissions are Jesus Christ, Mohammad, and Buddha. These suggestions will definitely send someone to Hell.

By far, the most creative submission for the dictator project is Noah. Yes, I'm talking about the man who built the Ark. The person who submitted his name had the following reasoning: "Think about it - The guy managed to leave the world behind while they all drowned. How many millions of people died as a result of Noah leaving them? Then when all was said and done, Noah was the ruler over the only nation in existence. He was the ruler of the world. His authority was never questioned!"

Although theologically inaccurate at points, it is definitely creative... very creative.

When checking out the Oxford Dictionary, it gives the simple definition of dictator as "a ruler with total power over a country." So although Jesus Christ or Muhammad may seem like intelligent answers, because of their influence, they never had total power over a country.

Sure, there were the crusades, the inquisition, and 9/11, but killing in one's name does not put them in dictator status.

George W Bush may not be popular in some circles, but his power has limits in the United States regardless of what critics say. Iraq and Afghanistan have their own leaders as well. These countries are not colonies or property of the President.

When it comes down to it, the most famous of dictators have been cruel, evil men, but this is not always the case. It just comes down to having total power over a country.

In terms of ranking the dictators throughout history, I am looking at their ability to gain power, keep it, and expand it. That's why I'm asking questions like: How did they gain power? How long was their reign? How big was the world population during their time of reign? How far were they willing to go in order to keep the power?

Estimates can be found and calculated to score each person's ability to be a dictator. There will be a Top Ten and sadly, Noah will not make the list.

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