Plato vs Machiavelli
The two philosophers released philosophies which are almost 1900 years apart explaining who an ideal leader is. The two philosophers believe that good governance is key to the people, but the process of governance and rulers are at the helm of the governance. The society ruling and protection is critical, according to the two. Machiavelli’s approach is more aggressive as he states that rulers should go an extra mile to unjust to protect the people.
Differences.
The two philosophers expressed their philosophies in different ways but believed and aimed to explain what governance and explain ideal leader.
Idealism or realism
Plato stated that for good governance, a state should be created incorporating the community. Plato ideal leaders should govern people openly and freely. There should be no boundaries between the government, the people and the leaders. Machiavelli philosophy believes that a ruler needs to be unjust in the process of protecting the people. Such ways include wars, and the people will have an ideal leader who protects them even if their cruelty involved. Machiavelli focuses on reality like how things are and should be and suggests that leader can be unjust when attending to the needs of the state.
According to Plato, rulers should not harm because such acts will contradict the meaning of justice, and rulers should ensure they maintain virtue by checking on their behaviours.
Can everyone become a leader?
In his address, Machiavelli believes that no everyone is destined to become a leader. In his reference to the prince, Machiavelli states that the general public and prince (rulers) have a different social path. It is not very easy for the general public to climb the social ladder. Anyone can become a leader. According to Plato, it only takes proper guidance and knowledge for someone to become a leader. Plato states that “If you desire to breathe deeply, you first empty the lungs.” It is clear that one can conquer but has sacrifice one thing for another.
Nature of Human being
Machiavelli views human beings by nature are selfish, bad, and arrogant and will always work for self-gratification and not for the interest of the people. The contrasts are visible because Plato believes that human beings are social and should live together.
Throughout Plato’sPlato’s philosophy, his approach is ideal in the currentf.worlds. The public need knowledge and motivation and show no has boundary. The history is changing, and the public is demanding “government of the people by the people.” use of Machiavelli’s approach currently would raise complains and lead to conflicts as the world is advocating a peaceful way o governance