Ancient Greece, Plato and Us
Stepping Out of the Shadows
Ancient Greece, Plato and Us
Ancient Greece shines as a beacon of democracy and philosophy. Yet, Plato, a seminal philosopher, took issue with his city’s democratic leanings.
‘The Republic,’ written around 375 BCE, continues to be a key text for exploring ethics and governance. It also reveals lasting insights, like how democracy can breed ignorance and lead to tyranny.
Meanwhile, in ancient Greece, democracy operated directly. Citizens took an active role in decision-making. They managed trials themselves, without the need for professional judges or prosecutors.
Plato witnessed this firsthand and recoiled at its shortcomings. His mentor Socrates’ execution (for corrupting youth to think critically) by democratic process cemented his disdain.
He believed that true leaders are philosophers — those in love with wisdom and truth, not swayed by popularity or superficial traits.
His allegory highlights that true navigators understand the stars and seas, not merely look the part. This, Plato argues, is how governance functions — led by the most knowledgeable, not the most popular.
