“When the tyrant has disposed of foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there is nothing more to fear from them, then he is always stirring up some war or other, in order that the people may require a leader.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
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Quote
“When the tyrant has disposed of foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there is nothing more to fear from them, then he is always stirring up some war or other, in order that the people may require a leader.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato highlights a common tactic employed by tyrants to maintain their grip on power: the creation of external threats, even when none exist. Once a tyrant has dealt with foreign enemies and there is no real threat of invasion or conflict, they often fabricate or escalate conflicts in order to keep the populace in a state of fear and dependence. By stirring up war or hostility, the tyrant ensures that the people look to them as the essential leader or protector, thereby consolidating their power. The constant need for a leader during times of war or crisis allows the tyrant to justify their rule and prevent any challenges to their authority.
This idea connects to Plato’s broader concerns about justice and the nature of government. In *The Republic*, Plato contrasts the philosopher-king—an ideal ruler who governs with wisdom and virtue—with the tyrant, who rules with self-interest and manipulation. The tyrant creates instability and fear in order to maintain control, whereas a just ruler seeks to create harmony and prosperity without resorting to deception or exploitation.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the dangers of authoritarian leadership and the manipulation of public fear to maintain power. It serves as a warning against leaders who may create or exaggerate external threats to justify their authoritarian rule or suppress opposition. Plato’s message encourages us to recognize that true leadership is not about creating fear or dependence, but about serving the people’s best interests and promoting peace and justice.
