Word To Use Today: noocracy.

So: is noocracy rule by new things?

That's an interesting idea, but, sadly, no.

Noocracy (you say it nohOCKr'ssy) is rule by people with nous. (That's nous as in brains.)

It was Plato who first came up with the word noocracy. He was living in a democracy  (sort of) and he didn't think much of it. How much better it would be, said the philosopher, if the world was ruled by, um, philosophers.

Now, you will at once see several problems with this idea. For a start, pretty-much everyone fancies himself a philosopher, so there is still going to be quite a lot of jockeying for position.

Second, none of the philosophers will agree. In fact spending your whole time working out new ways to disagree with people almost defines a philosopher's work.

Third, even the people with exams in philosophy and other erudite subjects such as economics, sociology, and international relations aren't always noted for their practical skill, or even their firm grasp on reality. In fact they are quite often complete and utter twerps.

I would contend, though, that there is a place in the running of human affairs for people who know what they're talking about.

But how do you distinguish those folk from the rest of us? 

I really haven't a clue. 

And, has been and is being repeatedly demonstrated throughout the history of the world, neither has anyone else.

Word To Use Today: noocracy. This word comes from the Greek words nous, meaning mind or intellect, and kratos, authority or power.