Who Should Be Called A Philosopher-King?
By
Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
12 March
2024
This refers to the news item 'Ex Gyanvapi Case Judge Hails
'Philosopher King' Adityanath in Order Indicting Muslim Cleric Maulana Tauqeer
Raza.'
That a
judge is so unctuous is really embarrassing, nay, shameful. He has prostituted
himself and besmirched his profession that demands absolute integrity and the
highest level of moral rectitude.
I'm sure,
this fawning judge has no idea as to the qualities and prerequisites of a
philosopher king. Had he been aware, he wouldn't have made this silly
observation. In Plato's philosophy, the concept of a philosopher king emerged
as the ideal ruler. These leaders are driven by a thirst for knowledge and
wisdom, aiming to discover the ideal state (polis).
Now the
question is, who are the philosopher kings in the annals of history? Alexander
the Great is often described as a Philosopher King due to his education under
Aristotle. Hammurabi, known for his Code of Hammurabi, is called a
philosopher-king. The biblical figure King David is also called a
philosopher-king for his wisdom and writings. King Solomon, renowned for his
wisdom, especially in the Bible. Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor, known for his
stoic philosophy. Charlemagne, the medieval emperor, known for his wisdom and
governance. Alfred the Great, King of the Anglo-Saxons, known for his
contributions to education and law. Suleiman the Magnificent, Ottoman Sultan,
recognized for his intellectual pursuits. Augustus Caesar, the first Roman
emperor, who was admired for his governance. Ashoka, the Buddhist emperor,
known for promoting peace and ethics and last but not least, Mughal prince Dara
Shikoh, who could have been the Mughal emperor but for Aurangzeb. Exceptionally
erudite Prince Dara Shikoh was endowed with all the qualities of a philosopher
king.
There are
no prizes for guessing that this morally corrupt judge hasn't heard the name of
any philosopher king. Nor does he have any idea as to who should be called a
philosopher king. Can the man whom this judge referred to as the philosopher
king be bracketed with all these aforementioned great names? Alas, we've judges
licking the boots, slippers and toes of the politicians. These obsequious and
spineless judges survive on flattery and sycophancy. Fie on them.
-----
A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul
is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He
has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several
languages including Persian.
URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/philosopher-king-yogi/d/131902
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