“He who is to be a good ruler must have first been ruled.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“He who is to be a good ruler must have first been ruled.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle emphasizes that the best rulers are those who have first-hand experience of being ruled or governed by others. By experiencing the challenges, constraints, and responsibilities of being a subject, a person gains valuable insight into the needs and struggles of those they will later govern. This experience helps develop the empathy, wisdom, and understanding necessary for effective leadership. A ruler who has never experienced being governed may lack the perspective needed to lead with fairness, compassion, and awareness of the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
This concept remains highly relevant in discussions about leadership and governance today. Effective leaders often come from backgrounds where they have experienced different levels of authority, whether through military service, public service, or working in systems that require collaboration and adherence to structure. These experiences can shape leaders who are more attuned to the challenges their citizens face and who govern with a sense of humility and understanding.
For example, political leaders who have had experience working in various capacities, such as serving in the military or working-class jobs, may be better equipped to empathize with and represent the interests of a wider range of citizens. This idea suggests that true leadership arises not from privilege or untested power, but from having lived through a variety of circumstances and understanding the complexities of governance from both the perspective of the ruler and the ruled. Aristotle’s quote encourages leaders to gain experience, learn from the challenges of being governed, and use that knowledge to create a more just and empathetic system of leadership.
