In searching for the origins of this term, I find the concept attributed to John Stuart Mill, but I can't find the term used in his writing.

From *[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benevolent_dictatorship#Characteristics)*:

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> Modern usage of the term in a world society where the norm leans much more toward democracy can be traced back to John Stuart Mill in his classic *On Liberty* (1869). Although he argued in favor of democratic rights for individuals, he did make an exception for what he called today's developing countries.
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I find much discussion on the concept of the term, even attributing a variation ([benevolent dictator for life](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benevolent_dictator_for_life)) to computer scientists:

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> The phrase originated in 1995 with reference to Guido van Rossum, creator of the Python programming language. Shortly after Van Rossum joined the Corporation for National Research Initiatives, the term appeared in a follow-up mail by Ken Manheimer to a meeting trying to create a semi-formal group that would oversee Python development and workshops; this initial use included an additional joke of naming Van Rossum the “First Interim BDFL”.
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