Greek Classics
In our review of Greek literature, three philosophers stand well above the others. They are Socrates (who never wrote his words), Plato, a student of Socrates who wrote mostly from the ideas of Socrates, and Aristotle, a student of Plato. Socrates and Plato resided in Athens, a monotheistic society governed by sensible but strict law. The Republic, Plato’s discussions of the ideas of Socrates, is the first true philosophical argument of various forms of governance. Socrates emphasizes the need for pure justice, the unshakable integrity of public servants, and the value of limited government run only by the wisest and more pure of men. At one point, a discussion by another citizen sounds like modern politics. The citizen sneers at Socrates’ requirement of morality and justice in a government only to have his faulty thinking soundly refuted by Socrates (discussion is recounted, of course, by Plato). The venerable philosopher warns of the dangers of a simple democracy, starting primarily with politicians who yield to public pressure (since all citizens would have equal say under such a system) because they lack understanding in the true philosophies which ground a society. These politicians will only please the populace in a desperate bid for popularity. Ruled by lust for self, the leaders will try in vain to satisfy base passions. They will surround themselves with stupid, criminal types. Without convictions of any sort, the despotic (leader) will try to manipulate everyone, including his family, to feed his desires. The ultimate conclusion of Plato’s assessment of the philosophy of Socrates is that the truly just man is not only the best but the happiest.