#266 - Statesman by Plato

Oct 31, 2025

Dive into a fascinating exploration of Plato's dialogue on the nature of the statesman. The conversation begins with knowledge and intriguingly shifts to the metaphor of a statesman as a weaver of disparate parts. A surprising myth contrasts the ages of Cronus and Zeus, reshaping the discussion on governance. The analysis spans different government types and the balance between written laws and true statesmanship, highlighting the rarity of the ideal ruler. It all culminates in a thought-provoking look at courage, moderation, and the art of leadership.

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INSIGHT

Defining The Statesman By Division

Plato seeks the essence of the statesman through the method of division, refining terms until reaching an essential function.
The dialogue systematically narrows from knowledge to practical roles to locate the statesman's nature.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Myth Interrupts The Classroom

Erik describes his surprise when a myth abruptly interrupts the analytical dialogue about the statesman.
He found the myth delightful and felt it reset and reoriented the discussion productively.

insights

INSIGHT

Cronus Versus Zeus Reframes Leadership

The myth contrasts the ages of Cronus and Zeus to show different modes of human governance and care.
It argues humans once lived under a divine herdsman but later must govern themselves under Zeus's age.

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Why I Chose Statesman by Plato

00:34 • 2min

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Who Participates in the Dialogue

02:35 • 26sec

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How Plato Seeks Definitions Using Division

03:01 • 45sec

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Why a Myth Interrupts the Logical Method

03:46 • 2min

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Initial Divisions: From Knowledge to Shepherd

06:02 • 1min

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What Is the Myth of the Ages of Cronus and Zeus?

07:05 • 4min

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Why the Divine Herdsman Model Fails

11:17 • 1min

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How the Statesman Is Re-Imagined as a Weaver

12:20 • 29sec

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Three Axes That Differentiate Governments

12:50 • 22sec

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Mapping Regimes: Monarchy, Aristocracy, Democracy

13:11 • 56sec

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Why Monarchy by a True Statesman Is Best

14:08 • 2min

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When a Statesman Ignores Written Laws

15:57 • 40sec

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Imitators Versus True Expertise

16:37 • 37sec

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What Are the Limits of Law?

17:13 • 42sec

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How the Statesman 'Weaves' the City Together

17:55 • 1min

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Balancing Virtues: Courage and Moderation

19:13 • 2min

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Why the Middle Myth Resonated with Me

21:01 • 4min

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Weaving as a Leadership Metaphor

25:28 • 2min

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What's Next in My Plato Reading

Cratylus is a dialogue by Plato that explores the nature of language and the relationship between words and the things they represent. The dialogue features Socrates in conversation with Cratylus, who argues that names are naturally suited to the things they name, and Hermogenes, who contends that names are merely conventional. Socrates examines the etymology of various words, often proposing fanciful or humorous derivations. The dialogue raises fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge, reality, and the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world. It concludes without a definitive resolution, highlighting the complexities and ambiguities inherent in the study of language.

#47877

The statesman

Sir Henry Taylor

Plato's "The Statesman" is a dialogue that explores the nature of true statesmanship and the ideal form of government. It delves into the characteristics of a skilled ruler, contrasting them with those of a tyrant or demagogue. The dialogue uses analogies and metaphors to illustrate the complexities of governance and the challenges of achieving justice and order. It examines the relationship between knowledge, power, and the common good. The dialogue's exploration of leadership and governance remains relevant in contemporary political discourse.

#1914

• Mentioned in 18 episodes

Theogony

Hesiod

#10622

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

White Nights

Фёдор Михайлович Достоевский

The story, set in St. Petersburg, follows a young, unnamed narrator who lives a solitary life. He encounters Nastenka, a young woman crying on a bridge, and saves her from a potential harasser. Over four nights and a morning, they share their stories and hopes. Nastenka is bound to her blind grandmother and is waiting for her lover to return from Moscow. Despite the narrator's growing feelings for her, he helps her draft a letter to her lover. However, when the lover returns unexpectedly, Nastenka leaves the narrator heartbroken. The story concludes with the narrator receiving a letter from Nastenka announcing her upcoming marriage and expressing her gratitude for their brief friendship.

#62410

The Sophist

Plato

Sophist is a dialogue by Plato that explores the nature of sophistry and the characteristics of a sophist. The dialogue seeks to define what a sophist is and how they differ from philosophers and other intellectuals. Through a series of logical arguments and divisions, Plato examines the methods and techniques used by sophists to deceive and manipulate others. Key themes include the distinction between true knowledge and mere opinion, the use of language to persuade and mislead, and the moral implications of sophistry. Ultimately, Sophist aims to expose the superficiality and lack of genuine wisdom associated with sophism, while highlighting the importance of seeking truth and genuine understanding.

The goal of this dialogue is the definition of a statesman. Can Plato show us the essence or nature of the statesman? This dialogue is a sequel to Sophist. In each dialogue, an attempt at a definition is sought through the method of division. For example, Statesman begins with Knowledge, which is divided into practical and theoretical knowledge. The statesman would be on the theoretical side.

This division occurs until the discussion partners Visitor from Elea and Socrates the Younger describe the statesman as a shepherd or herder of humans. That doesn’t work, and so a Deus Ex Machina of sorts jumps in through the telling of a myth. In the myth, the ages of Cronus and Zeus are contrasted and the dialog is set on a different path. That path leads to a definition or essence of the statesman as more of a weaver of disparate parts.

The dialogue then gets into different types of governments and the role of law within each set. It posits the best form of government (rule by statesman through special, expert knowledge) but admits that such a person is unlikely. The next best thing is the rule by imitator (Sophist?) who rules by the existing set of laws, despite the likelihood of injustice.

I loved this dialogue. The surprise appearance of the myth was so delightful and the discussion about law, types of government, courage, and governance utterly fascinating. In this episode, In this episode, I give an overview of the arguments and take a look at the myth and it’s relation to the definition of the statesman.

Show Notes:

* Want to discuss White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky? Simply become a paid subscriber here on the Books of Titans Substack and you’ll receive details about our November 12th Zoom call to discuss this short novel.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

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