Determining a leader:

To determine the best possible leader for Vice City citizens are encouraged to engage in the election process and vote for the candidate they feel will benefit the state the most. Potential leaders are chosen amongst all the citizens in our society by producing the highest results on the “Universal Test” (i.e.: they must be in the top 1%). The “Universal Test” is a standardized test, which has been developed over the years to efficiently and accurately test all aspects of a person’s life. For example, the test is designed to determine one’s intelligence, problem solving skills, work performance, and even their degree of impartiality towards others. All citizens must take this test annually to make sure that the data is up-to-date and the most accurate. With regards to potential leaders, the results of all the “Universal Tests” one has taken in their lifetime must be taken into account and analyzed to ensure they are in the top 1% of the population. If the person is in the 1% and has proven to be a worthy candidate they may then be entered in the poll as a potential leader for Vice City.

What makes a good leader?

In our society a “good” ruler/leader is someone who has the highest degree of commitment to the state. That is to say, they are selfless and are focused on doing things that benefit the state (and the people) even though it may not directly benefit them. This impartiality that leaders should have towards their citizens is illustrated in the following passage:

The impartial ruler says, ‘ I have heard that in order to be an enlightened ruler in the world, one must first worry about the well-being of one’s people and then worry about oneself. Only in this way can one be an enlightened ruler.’ And so when his people are hungry, he feeds them. When his people are cold, he clothes them. When his people are ill, he nurtures them. And when his people die, he buries them. This is what the impartial ruler says and what he does. (Mozi, ch. 16, p.71)

“Good” rulers in our society also keep their word and are able to get things done. In other words, they are able to produce results and apply ideas/visions that they have of the state to real-life contexts (rather than just thinking about “good” ideas). We also believe that “good” rulers should be charismatic and enthusiastic, as to motivate and inspire the people to better themselves and the state. Most importantly, “good” rulers are ones who are the most “worthy.” Like Mozi, we believe that the worthy are ones who are: “eminent and wise,” “capable and hardworking” and, “cautious and respectful.” Therefore, leadership is based on one’s proven ability (from their “Universal Test” results and public votes) rather than one’s lineage. And so, “those with ability [are] promoted, [and] those without ability [are] demoted” (Mozi, ch.8, p.64). We believe that basing leadership on one’s ability “promote[s] public righteousness and prevent[s] private resentment.” Thus, “universal testing” and public voting ensures that only the most worthy will lead our society, regardless of any other factors that may put a less worthy individual in a position of leadership (Mozi, ch.8, p.64). According to these criteria, leaders in Vice City are impartial, committed to the state and their people, and are able to earn the titles of being the most worthy and capable leaders in Vice City.