Qualities of the Philosopher King

Qualities of the Philosopher King

 

To he who meddles in everything,

Let him be master and commander of the world

Which he seeks to conquer.

To he who possesses the sabre,

Let him rattle his sword in defiance

And in his common defense.

To he who possesses the scale,

Let him know the truth in the ways of administering justice

And of its ethical and moral ways of distribution.

To he who possesses the iron will,

Let him overcome any obstacles, small or large,

Which may try to impede his progress.

To he who has courage,

Let him use it like a tiger

And never cower to anything, to anybody.

To he who has heart,

Let him always find the means, the strength, the compassion,

To rule his kingdom and his people properly and wisely.

Only with these virtues may one be truly wise,

The great virtues in becoming a philosopher king.