“I'm basically giving myself a permanent vacation from being BDFL”

Yikes. Python has become so hugely popular and is used for so many different use cases that I fear the ecosystem is going to really struggle to find consistency and direction without a dictator.

Guido is only human. And one day, he will die. (Hopefully a long, long time from now.)

Guido is not asking Python to live without a dictator. Guido is asking Python to learn how to live without Guido, so that Python may outlive him.

This is a tale as old as time. Apple lives on with only memories of Steve Jobs. The United States lives on with only memories George Washington.

For some inspiration I'd recommend listening to the track "One Last Time" from the Hamilton musical:

"One Last Time" - Hamilton At The White House #ObamaLegacy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV4UpCq2azs

Original Broadway Cast Recording on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEqnXNsAFL8

Original Broadway Cast Recording on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/0Iys022UwQ8xBfxE1g4nWZ