Introduction
Matters of politics have been debated for hundreds of years, with many philosophers pondering its meaning and purpose. Many of these thoughts can be found in various works by well-known philosophers. For example, Plato’s Statesman is a philosophical dialogue exploring statesmanship’s nature and art. The dialogue is set between Socrates and a young politician, the Statesman. Thus, through the conversation with the politician, Plato delivers his ideas about the qualities that make a great statesman and the art of statesmanship.
Traits of a Great Politician
Wisdom
Throughout the text, Plato emphasizes that a great politician must possess certain qualities that distinguish him from the ordinary politician. The first one, wisdom, is the ability to think and act in a balanced and rational way. It involves seeing beyond the immediate circumstances and understanding the long-term consequences of his actions (Plato, 1999). This is essential for a politician because his decisions will affect many lives long after he is gone (Plato, 1999).
Knowledge
Another element that Plato considers crucial is knowledge. Politicians must understand history, economics, and politics (Plato, 1999). This understanding will enable him to make well-informed choices that benefit the state and its people. Moreover, any politician must be able to weigh the pros and cons of each decision and choose the one that is most beneficial for the state (Plato, 1999).
Courage
It is additionally essential for a politician to have the courage to make unpopular decisions (Plato, 1999). Sometimes, the decisions in the best interest of the state and its citizens are unpopular, but a true politician will have the courage to make those decisions anyway.
The Art of Statesmanship
Definition
Aside from discussing the qualities that any government official must possess, Plato also discusses the art of statesmanship. He argues that statesmanship is not just a matter of following rules and procedures but also an art that requires creativity, imagination, and intuition (Plato, 1999). A great politician must be able to navigate the complexities of politics, economics, and social dynamics (Plato, 1999). He must be able to identify connections between seemingly unrelated events and make decisions that are in the state’s best interest. In this case, one cannot expect to be a great politician without proper skills and experience. With a lack of expertise and knowledge, such an individual will be set for failure.
Importance
Finally, Plato emphasizes the importance of statesmanship in creating a just and prosperous society. He believes that a great politician can bring about social harmony and stability by promoting the common good and restraining the excesses of power (Plato, 1999). Such a person must be able to balance the competing interests of different groups and ensure that the needs of the whole society are met. One should never forget whom one serves and set the priorities correctly, without following selfish interests.
Conclusion
Hence, Plato shares his thoughts on the traits of a great statesman and the art of statesmanship during the talk with the politician. According to Plato, a great statesman has to have a few characteristics that set him apart from a regular politician. He contends that a politician should be wise, knowledgeable, and prudent. Furthermore, according to Plato, being a statesman is an art that calls for creativity, imagination, intuition, and following laws and procedures.Plato concludes by highlighting the value of statesmanship in building a just and thriving community.
Reference
Plato. (1999). Statesman. Hackett Publishing Company.