Who Should Be Called A Philosopher-King?

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 12 March 2024 This refers to the news item 'Ex Gyanvapi Case Judge Hails 'Philosopher King' Adityanath in Order Indicting Muslim Cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza.' That a judge is so unctuous is really embarrassing, nay, shameful. He has prostituted himself and besmirched his profession that demands absolute integrity and the highest level of moral rectitude. I'm sure, this fawning judge has no idea as to the qualities and prerequisites of a philosopher king. Had he been aware, he wouldn't have made this silly observation. In Plato's philosophy, the concept of a philosopher king emerged as the ideal ruler. These leaders are driven by a thirst for knowledge and wisdom, aiming to discover the ideal state (polis). Now the question is, who are the philosopher kings in the annals of history? Alexander the Great is often described as a Philosopher King due to his education under Aristotle. Hammurabi, known for his Code of Hammurabi, is called a philosopher-king. The biblical figure King David is also called a philosopher-king for his wisdom and writings. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, especially in the Bible. Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor, known for his stoic philosophy. Charlemagne, the medieval emperor, known for his wisdom and governance. Alfred the Great, King of the Anglo-Saxons, known for his contributions to education and law. Suleiman the Magnificent, Ottoman Sultan, recognized for his intellectual pursuits. Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, who was admired for his governance. Ashoka, the Buddhist emperor, known for promoting peace and ethics and last but not least, Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, who could have been the Mughal emperor but for Aurangzeb. Exceptionally erudite Prince Dara Shikoh was endowed with all the qualities of a philosopher king. There are no prizes for guessing that this morally corrupt judge hasn't heard the name of any philosopher king. Nor does he have any idea as to who should be called a philosopher king. Can the man whom this judge referred to as the philosopher king be bracketed with all these aforementioned great names? Alas, we've judges licking the boots, slippers and toes of the politicians. These obsequious and spineless judges survive on flattery and sycophancy. Fie on them. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/philosopher-king-yogi/d/131902 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism