The concept of the masses and the rulers originates from various historical and philosophical traditions. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, where philosophers like Plato and Aristotle discussed the ideal state and the roles of different classes within it. The term "masses" refers to the general population, often characterized as the common people, while "rulers" denote those in positions of authority, such as kings, nobles, or political leaders.

The origins of this concept are multifaceted. In ancient Greece, the idea of the masses versus the rulers was evident in the political theories of Plato and Aristotle. Plato, in his work "The Republic," envisioned an ideal state governed by philosopher-kings, who were superior to the masses in wisdom and virtue. He believed that the masses were inherently incapable of governing themselves and were prone to corruption and ignorance. In contrast, Aristotle, in "Politics," argued for a more democratic system, where the masses could participate in governance, but he still maintained a distinction between the rulers and the ruled.

The concept of the masses and the rulers also emerged during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. During the Renaissance, thinkers like Niccolò Machiavelli in "The Prince" and Thomas More in "Utopia" explored the nature of power and governance. Machiavelli emphasized the importance of the ruler's ability to maintain power, often at the expense of the masses, while More presented an idealized society where the rulers were benevolent and the masses were content.

In the Enlightenment, philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau further developed the concept. Locke, in "Two Treatises of Government," argued for the social contract theory, where the rulers derive their power from the consent of the governed. Rousseau, in "The Social Contract," proposed a more radical idea, suggesting that the general will of the masses should be the ultimate authority in a state.

The concept of the masses and the rulers has been a central theme in modern political theory as well. Karl Marx, in his works such as "The Communist Manifesto," criticized the capitalist system for exploiting the masses and proposed a classless society where the rulers would be the working class. This idea has had a profound impact on political movements and ideologies around the world.

Data from various historical and sociological studies support the notion that the concept of the masses and the rulers is deeply ingrained in human societies. For instance, a study by the Pew Research Center found that trust in political leaders has been declining globally, indicating a growing gap between the rulers and the masses. This trend is evident in the United States, where trust in government has been fluctuating but generally declining over the past few decades.

In conclusion, the concept of the masses and the rulers originates from ancient Greek philosophy, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and modern political theory. It reflects the ongoing debate about the nature of power, governance, and the relationship between the rulers and the governed. The concept remains relevant today, as seen in the growing distrust in political leaders and the ongoing discussions about social and political change.