Philosophy as a Way of Life

34. The Quest for Character

Oct 28, 2022
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ANECDOTE

Alcibiades' Failed Mentorship

  • Alcibiades, an affluent Athenian, sought Socrates' mentorship for leadership.
  • Socrates deemed Alcibiades unfit due to his reliance on wealth and lack of virtue.
INSIGHT

Philosopher-Leader Dynamics

  • Massimo Pigliucci's book contrasts philosophers training leaders (Seneca, Nero, Plato) with leaders practicing philosophy (Marcus Aurelius).
  • He examines if different outcomes arise from these contrasting approaches.
ANECDOTE

Contrasting Advice, Varied Outcomes

  • Socrates advised Glaucon against politics; Glaucon listened, becoming a musician.
  • Conversely, Socrates encouraged Charmides, who failed under the Thirty Tyrants.
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