> I can’t remember where I heard this from but I once heard that the ideal political system isn’t democracy, it’s a benevolent autocracy.

I don't think this is true. An autocracy is like a super weapon. Even if the power was held by a 'benevolent' group/individual, there's no guarantee that they will keep being 'benevolent', or that someone else doesn't take over, either diplomatically or by coup.

Democracy isn't perfect, but it does protect against autocrats taking your rights away, and you having no way of defending yourself.