In a democratic society, the objective, as much as possible, is for the citizens to decide for themselves. Citizens in a democracy might seek and receive the advice of others. But, as much as possible, they must be free to accept or reject such advice, in whole or in part. Perhaps, it might. Perhaps, it does.
Unhappy consequences are an unavoidable risk of human life.
But democrats believe that, as much as possible, the one who must suffer the consequences is the one who should have the right to decide. Indeed, the exercise of liberty is essential to the enhancement of dignity. While it is possible that the serf and the slave could receive adequate amounts of food clothing, and shelter, it is unlikely that they would ever acquire an adequate amount of respect for their own unique human personalities. One's sense of self-worth and dignity requires some control of one's destiny. Moreover, there is no guarantee that rulers will necessarily be more knowledgeable than many of their subjects and, even if they are, there is no guarantee that they will necessarily make the right decisions for their subjects.