The Greats who criticised Democracy – III
Plato criticised Democracy and favoured the rule of Philosopher Kings. He wrote in his Republic
” Unless philosophers became Kings and Kings took to the power and spirit of Philosophy, cities shall never cease from ill nor the human race’.
Marcus Aurelius and Augustus Caesar in Rome, King Janaka and Nimi in India were Philosopher Kings who were exemplary.
Augustus ruled Rome for 40 years and it was known as the Golden Age of Rome. He was born with Libra rising, with Saturn exalted and Venus powerful in Libra and Jupiter exalted in Cancer. He was a born Raja Rishi. His empire was based on naval power.
He was a member of the second triumvirate. The first triumvirate was Pompey, Julius Caesar and Crassus. All of them perished by the sword. Even his two partners of the second triumvirate, Marc Antony and Lepidus also perished in battle.
On the contrary, Augustus was protected by Providence and died a natural death.
As a Rishie, Augustus founded the Religion of Numa, defined by Buchan as a probe into the mysteries of the Infinite and the Unknown.
We pray that India may again be ruled by Philosopher Kings like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, putting an end to the rule of commercial politicians !