Hot take but i agree with Plato on the first half. People are too dumb, blind, and easily manipulated for a democracy.
But obviously a benevolent, kind, and uncoercible king with the interests of the people at heart is not realistic.

I dont have a solution. 🤷‍♂️

Having a political education test before being allowed to vote

Who writes and administers the test? And who ensures everyone has equal access to education so a non-voting underclass isn’t created?

The United States used to have a “voting literacy test”. It existed to keep non-whites from voting as it was practically impossible to pass so it was at the clerk’s discretion who could or could not vote.

Could You Pass This Literacy Test Designed To Prevent Black Americans From Voting?

One wrong answer meant a failing grade — which couldn't be appealed.

All That's Interesting
I am not saying it’s a good idea and implementation would be hard. But it is an idea
I’m for it, assuming everyone has equal access to a robust, non-biased education and sufficient resources to have the time and energy to utilize it; the test isn’t designed to exclude by race, class, gender, etc.; and it is designed to simply ascertain whether or not a person is capable of self-directed, rational decision making versus voting for the prettiest or most charismatic candidate or the candidate who will “hurt the right people”.
Just cut to the chase and provide the education. If everyone has access to robust and adequate education then you don’t need the test.