Single Idea 7361

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / d. Elites]

Full Idea

Men of the highest calibre avoid political life completely.

Gist of Idea

Men of the highest calibre avoid political life completely

Source

Kongzi (Confucius) (The Analects (Lunyu) [c.511 BCE], XIV.37)

Book Reference

Confucius: 'The Sayings of Confucius', ed/tr. Ware,James R. [Mentor 1955], p.95


A Reaction

Plato notes that such people tend to avoid political life (and a left sheltering, as if from a wild storm!), but he thinks they should be dragged into the political arena for the common good. Confucius seems to approve of the avoidance. Plato is right.