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Why We Have Bad Politicians According to Plato
There’s a reason why our politicians are so unpopular
Modern politicians receive plenty of criticism from the public. We often vote for the person we dislike the least rather than the person we genuinely admire.
Plato — one of the most renowned and influential philosophers of all time — discussed the shortcomings of politicians more than two-thousand years ago. Despite how old his ideas are, they still shed light on the political issues of our time.
The ideal ruler
Plato argues that philosophers would make the best rulers. They love learning and possess outstanding knowledge. Pride and desire do not concern them. Instead, they are driven by the pursuit of wisdom, truth, and virtue.
Any pleasures they do feel relate to the mind. Self-control, therefore, is paramount — a good leader cannot be a slave to their vices. Those who are mean-spirited are also unfit to rule. How can they possibly do what’s right for their people if they do not care for them?
Unfortunately, the chances of someone who fits this description gaining power is remarkably slim.
