One of the best books I’ve ever read. I wish I had read it twenty years ago, but perhaps I would not have appreciated it as much. Although this is one of the most influential books in history, I put off reading it because of a lack of interest in political science. Ironically, another influential book on the subject, “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli, drove me to this, to seek […]
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“Phaedrus” by Plato
Plato discourses on the nature of beauty and love. He bases his argument on the belief that the soul is immortal and originates from the presence of god. He likens the soul to “a pair of winged horses and a charioteer.” The good steed is a lover of honour and modesty and temperance, and the bad steed a mate of insolence and pride. The wing lifts the soul to the […]
Read more“The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli
A fascinating, thought-provoking and disturbing read. Machiavelli based his arguments on the premise (or rather observation) that men are inherently evil unless compelled by necessity to do good. If a man follows moral principles, he would be at a disadvantage to the majority who don’t. Therefore, for a man to obtain power, it is necessary for him to resort to deceit, false promises, hypocrisy, cruelty and other immoral devices. (“Men […]
Read more“Apology” by Plato
Socrates, Plato’s teacher, was accused of impiety and corrupting the Athenian youths, and had to defend himself in court against his accusers. He refused to beg for mercy, defended his way of life and his character with dignity, a tad of irony and defiance, and received a death sentence with tranquility and showed no trace of fear of death. Quotes: “The unexamined life is not worth living” Envy and detraction […]
Read more“Crito” by Plato
Socrates, falsely accused of impiety and corrupting the Athenian youths, was condemned to death by poison. He refused his friend Crito’s urging to escape prison and save his own life. He reasoned thus: Since he had been living in Athens all his life, and received education and other benefits that the state provided, he shouldn’t break the laws of the state and return evil for good. If he had deemed […]
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“Phaedo” by Plato
The Trial and Death of Socrates Four Dialogues of Plato provide an account of the trial and death of Socrates, “Euthyphro“, “Apology“, “Crito” and “Phaedo“. Socrates, falsely accused of impiety and corrupting the Athenian youths, was condemned to death by poison. In “Euthyphro“, he discourses on piety and tears apart the covering of a man who professes to know all about piety; “Apology“ is his speech before the Athenian judges, […]
Read more“Lysis” by Plato
Socrates questioned two young friends about the nature of friendship, but didn’t reach any conclusion at the end. The arguments he made were: the good can not be friends, because they are self-sufficient and have no need of others, and the evil can not be friends of the evil, because the evil are never at unity with one another or with themselves, likes can not be friends because they would […]
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