Blessed rules

The rules laid out by St. Benedict for the behavior of the Abbot or Abbess make somewhat more sense to me than the broad (indeed overly optimistic) ideals expressed in Plato's Republic about the "gold soled Guardians". People tend to look toward a central figure of authority more readily than to group consensus, so it should be the duty of this leader to put the good of others in their charge before themselves. The rules also give more room for true meritocracy, not advancing people of noble birth ahead of those born at the bottom of society simply because of their birth. Other reasons, specific to individual ability, must apply. In fact, the only problems I have with any of the rules come from my own general distaste for organized religion, but I still recognize the merits of faith as an organizing force within a community.