Few Can Be a Philosopher, Fewer Can be a Philosopher King. Fewer Can Be a Good Philosopher King
This is something that I just heard in an audio book about discipline. In it, they follow a wide range of people who have exuded a great deal of discipline in their life.
The people they use as examples are from all sorts of backgrounds, time periods and walks of life. To name just a few:
- Martin Luther King JR.
- Queen Elizabeth
- Marcus Aurelius
Few Can Be a Philosopher
Few of us can successfully be a philosopher. What does that mean? It could have some variations depending on your background, interests, etc.
Ultimately, I think one of the core tenets of being a philosopher is to live an examined life.
Living an examined life means that you don't just go through the motions of living. You think about everything. You think about how the wind sways at your back when you're taking a walk.
You think about how that cup of coffee smells on your desk. You think about what someone said to you and what the true meaning of it was. You think about why you are on earth and what purpose you may have here.
An examined life is one filled with questions. Sometimes we have the answer, othertimes we must ruminate on the question for days, months or even years.
Few Can Be a Philosopher King
A philosopher king is an idea that I've heard several times - especially in reading stoic philosophy. One of the things I love about the stoics is practicality. Look at Marcus - he was the emperor of Rome at a time when it was at the height of its power.
Yet, if you read Meditations, you see him struggle every single day with the same issues that any common man or woman would struggle with. The very same issues, in fact that you and I struggle with today.
Despite having all of that power, he was a benevolent and great ruler to Rome. When the Roman treasury started wearing thin, did he raise taxes? Seize the estates of rich people? Find ways to leverage the subjects in order to pay for everything while keeping his own lifestyle elevated?
No, in fact he held a sale for all sorts of gold and palace collectibles and various other items. He looked inward before seeking help outward. He would die on the frontlines with his troops rather than sit in his ivory tower and send people off to their death.
In today's day and age, it's hard to find philosophers. It's even harder to find Philosopher King's.... and it's like finding a Unicorn when you run into a GOOD Philosopher King.
My name is Asteroids - well, that's my Hive name, anyways. I believe firmly in the future of Web3 technology and its potential to reshape our lives. I'm a serial entrepreneur and my aim in life is to always evolve and find new ways to leverage technology in my life.
As I continue to build things, I find new and important wisdom in all sorts of places. My goal here on Hive is simply to share that wisdom so that you can improve as well.
Working is as much about building good habits as it is about doing the actual work. Remembering this on a daily basis has changed my life for the better.
Until next time,
-A
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Wonderful write-up, I really enjoyed it... although I'll share few things to add to it.
Basically, while philosophy can be understood in the loose sense, it can also be understood in the strict sense. Similarly, while we can call someone a philosopher in the loose sense, we can also call another a philosopher in the strict or professional sense.
Without any iota of doubt, I'd agree with you that philosophy could mean your outlook towards life, perspective of looking at the world, living an examined life and all. By this, everyone can claim to have a philosophy or to be a philosopher.
However, in the strict sense, philosophy is a discipline. From the Greek word φιλοσοφία (Philosophia), which means love of wisdom. It is a study of the first principle; about making enquires into questions that bother human existence. You need the skills of analysis, coherence and logic to aid you in this quest.
The branches of metaphysics, sociopolitical philosophy, Logic and Ethics are relevant this field.
Those who study this discipline and apply the skills learnt are the philosophers, in the true sense of the word.
The idea of philosopher King came from one of Plato's dialogue, the Republic. And for him, since Philosophers (in the true sense) are well educated (with the adequate skills) and are doing the most noblest task, then they are most qualified to rule and make the city better.
Just sharing this little piece...
Hehe, it seems philosophy is still fresh in my head 😅😅😅
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When it comes to philosopher kings, at the top of my list is Marcus Aurelius. Peak Roman Empire took place under his reign and leadership; it only got worse after him.
Actually, my list should have other philosopher kings on it, but Marcus Aurelius is the gold standard among them.
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