The Republic by Plato

Plato’s seminal work has not only helped shape the values that have guided western civilization for millennia, but the “Republic” has also continued to stay relevant over almost 2500 years despite the radical changes humanity has gone through. This only goes to prove that true principles, unlike seasonal fashions that go out of style, are rather the threads which make up the very fabric of society. We would be naked without these guiding principles.

What’s interesting to me is the fact that Plato writes this book at a time he feels that Greek civilization is in moral decay. In the “Republic” Plato goes on to explain what characteristics and principles make up a principled individual and a moral government. Plato’s ideal is for philosopher kings who are dedicated to the search and application of truth to lead and safeguard society.

Plato describes that the four principles that should govern both a virtuous man and government are; wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. While wisdom is the principle by which one reasons and governs, courage is the principle by which one is valiant. Temperance is then the principle by which one becomes one’s own master and keeps the forces of wisdom and courage in “friendly harmony”. Justice then is the principle that governs the other three principles and keeps them in their proper place, and without which the others are unable to exist.

However my favorite part of the book is the explanation of what a philosopher king truly is. Plato, in allegorical form, explains that we are all living in a cave where we are shackled facing a wall. There are several things happening outside of the cave, but the people inside the cave are only able to see the shadows which fall on the cave walls. The leaders breaks free from those shackles, turns their backs on the cave and goes towards the light (in spite how uncomfortable it is to face the light, and know that what you have seen and have known thus far are only shadows of that which is true). Finally, the true leaders don’t just stop there. They return to the cave to enlighten those who are still unaware of the truth.

This is a classic, that will continue to stay relevant for those who wish to learn to be ethical leaders.