let me put it this way: was there ever a time and place in history where the people weren't governed by an elite ruling class? Can't think of one, to be honest. I'm talking about a democracy in its purest form. The norm throughout the ages is having an elite ruling class. This may have been a political, economical or religious oligarchy, but always a small ruling class governing the masses.
The masses apparently need this. Whenever there is a revolution and 'bad' oligarchs are removed, the people cannot wait to put new oligarchs in their place. People need to be told what to do, so they allow the world to accommodate their needs. The masses can put an end to any and all ruling elites right now, but they don't. Being told what to do is easy, deciding your own fate is most people's worst nightmare.