Politicians & 'Philosopher Kings'

"The ideal society we have described can never grow into a reality or see the light of day, and there will be no end to the troubles of states, or indeed of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers." ~ Plato

I could not think of better timing (election day and the 2nd anniversary of this blog) to share with you some exciting new features of The Financial Philosopher!

Rather than refer to other sites for information and quotes from notorious (and lesser known) philosophers, I've decided to create my own web pages, complete with biographical information, quotations and original philosopher illustrations!

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." ~ Plato

Plato was well-educated, intelligent and a strong communicator.  He refused a career in politics because he felt that he could not serve the greater good as a politician.  Plato especially became estranged to politics when Athenian rulers and aristocrats gave an ultimatum to his teacher and mentor, Socrates. 

Read more on my Plato philosopher page...

Unfortunately, Socrates' influence on the Greek youth led to his trial and ultimate death, which would eventually reach the level of martyrdom through the accounts of his pupils, most notoriously, Plato.  Socrates was seen by the Athens politicians and aristocracy as a bad influence on the minds of young Athenians, especially with regard to Socrates' refusal to denounce his own philosophical and intellectual beliefs.

Read more on my Socrates philosopher page...

"In ruling the people and in serving heaven it is best for a ruler to be sparing.  It is because he is sparing that it may be said that he is able to follow the way from the start; Following the way from the start he may be said to accumulate an abundance of virtue; Accumulating an abundance of virtue there is nothing he cannot overcome; When there is nothing he cannot overcome, no one knows his limit; When no one knows his limit he can possess a state." ~ Lau Tzu

Lau Tzu, or the "Old Master," is said to have written the Tao Te Ching, which is the foundation of Taoism, when he was on his way to escape his disgust of society and become one with nature as a hermit.  Before exiting the emperor's realm, Lau Tzu encountered the keeper of the pass, who asked Lau Tzu to write down all of his thoughts...

Find out more on my Lau Tzu philosopher page...

I hope that you will all vote today and also visit my philosopher pages!  I will also add some quotations pages, starting later this month, to share all of the wonderful bits of wisdom I have encountered over the past two years of writing posts on this blog.

Thanks for reading!  I will look forward to sharing more of my thoughts and those of the greatest thinkers in history with you in the future...

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Philosopher Images by Shannon

Comments

[Ari Koinuma]

Fascinating. You do take the title "philosopher" seriously, don't you?

I remember going to a philosophy class in college and feeling very disappointed. I thought it was a class on thinking, but all I did was some logic exercises and learned history of philosophers.

I have a little brother who's pursuing PhD in philosophy in Japan. His goal is similar to what you're doing -- making philosophy applicable and accessible.

ari

[The Financial Philosopher]

Ari:

As with any subject that is taught, the teacher can make all the difference.

This is a generalization, but academic philosophy can be quite esoteric and can be quite "boring," for lack of a better word.

The history of philosophy and all of the sub-categories of philosophy are, with all due respect, not what makes philosophy what it is.

In my view, the word "philosopher" can be defined as "one who loves wisdom." Any person can be a philosopher.

Once a person begins thinking about their own thinking and wondering what their own existence means, then they begin to philosophize...

"Philosophy begins in wonder." ~ Plato

[Jeremy Day]

Hi Kent,

Great stuff as usual. As a student of East Asia I am certainly a fan of Lau Tzu (or Lao Tzu or Lao Zi). How very appropriate for the election. I don't want to assume to far now, but probably like you, I wish to see more intelligent true philosophers in politics. Alas, That's s story for another time...

Cheers,
Jeremy

[The Financial Philosopher]

In my humble opinion, a "philosopher" would not likely choose politics as a career because their first objective would be to inspire others to think for themselves -- not to seek re-election -- which are contradictory forces...

With that said, I will say that we Americans had the best two choices for President since I first began voting in 1992...

"To prefer evil to good is not in human nature; and when a man is compelled to choose one of two evils, no one will choose the greater when he might have the less." ~ Plato

Thanks for the comment...

[Aaron]

You should let others know about your resource. I have enjoyed your writing and thinking since I discovered your blog and only regret more people don't read it.

[Peter]

Kent,

Well done on adding the new features. I'm particularly looking forward to the quotations pages - I think you must have the best collection of quotes of anyone I have come across.

Re philosophy and politics: I don't necessarily think of Obama as a philosopher, but is definitely a thinker who has proved he is willing to deeply consider the issues facing both America and the world.

[The Financial Philosopher]

Peter:

My impression of Obama, at least the way he presents himself, is that he places higher value on judgment (wisdom) than he does on knowledge (experience).

Plato, as you may have read on my web page dedicated to him, is often referred to as a "rationalist" -- someone who believes we can know true ideas without ever learning them from experience.

Thanks for the comment...

Kent

[The Financial Philosopher]

Aaron:

I certainly would like to tell others about my site; however, my time is consumed by familiy, business and writing on this blog.

I am certainly open to ideas on how to "spread the word," if you care to share them!

Thanks...

Kent

[Aaron]

What a pleasant surprise that someone else would answer this question right when it was needed. The universe just works like that sometimes. http://writetodone.com/2008/11/06/branding-101-how-to-promote-your-blog-like-the-big-guys-do/#comment-7823

[SSK]

Hello Kent, great idea! Keep up the great work. Been a bit busy with my own projects with Tamta, but I enjoyed your comment the other day on bretts site regarding the right mental outlook on finances. Best, Steve (SSK)