The Seventh Letter by Plato - Essay Example

The Seventh Letter by Plato The Seventh letter by Plato is an autobiographical account by Plato himself which tells about his activities in Sicily (Italy). Conspiracy had risen between Dion and Dionysius of Syracuse due to autocracy of Syracuse. Plato initially discusses about Dion’s political goals that Syracuse should be governed by best rulers with best laws and it ought to get freedom. He then tells how from his childhood he fancied to have a political career and as a young man he started taking part in the public and political affairs but after the trial of his friend Socrates he became disenthralled.

Several other events happened during the government which received his disapproval. Evil was growing rapidly in the state and Plato realized that it was incurable until either a true philosopher took over the power or the existing one’s start following the right path. Plato then came to Italy and met Dion, sharing his views on the ideals a man should aim for. Plato not only supported Dion who had now decided to change the lives Syracuse’s but also accepted Dion’s idea of pretending to be a person who doesn’t cares about philosophy, this way they could teach Dionysius the rules of governing the state in the right way and following the right path.

But their attempt turned out to be a failure, not only Dion but Plato became suspects for trying to over throw Dionysius. Dion wanted to introduce the means of true happiness in life in the whole territory without any bloodsheds or war. He was hoping that Plato will cause a great impact on Dionysius since Dionysius had strong desire towards education and philosophy. After the fourth month of Plato’s second visit to Syracuse Dion was expelled from the territory which the charge of conspiracy trying to seize the throne.

Dion’s entire friend including Plato feared that Dionysius might try to harm them but instead he treated them with kindness trying to win their heart. Plato also discusses that one should not give an advice to those who do not pay attention to a good advice and neither give anyone an advice when they haven’t asked for. It is not desirable to compel someone to listen to your advice when they are not willing to listen and bring a virtuous change in themselves by diverting from their violent desires and wishes.

Plato along with Dion advised Dionysius that he should be master of himself and unlike his father, who led an unhappy life, should attempt to make faithful friends and followers. Dion was exiled again due to the accusations of Dionysius’s advisors, who did not wantchange. When Plato was called in the court of Dionysius, he came as the ally of Dion to create good will between them but it worsened. Dion was assassinated after he returned from the exile. According to Plato Dion died a noble death while Dionysius led a dishonorable life because he paid no attention to the advices given to him.

Dion and Plato had advised Dionysius to abolish the unjust rule and introduce a constitutional government. Plato advices that one should lead a noble, just and divine life and avoid evil doings under all circumstances. Plato also claims that Dion could have been an ideal political ruler because he was fair towards his country and wanted to serve his people. Even though Dion was aware of the consequences of his attempts to change the lives of his people but he was unaware that these people were so much greedy that they will become his murders, this was the reason of Dion’s downfall.

If laws are followed obediently by the law makers and the people then the whole territory will not only lead a happy life but will be safe and secure as well as resistant from all troubles. One has to be fair, brave and follow a temperance behavior. Plato had written such a detailed letter explaining each and every event just in order to defend him from all the slanders which had circulated against him. Instead of the well-being of the rulers, justice and well-being people should exist. When justice is given to individuals this collectively leads to the well-being of the society, Plato had introduced this idea.

Right to individual was the main focus of Plato’s philosophical thinking. Any society cannot sustain if there is no justice, even though if the society is rich in terms of wealth, agriculture or trading it can never prosper without justice being followed strictly. Plato’s idea of justice was also based on equality. There was a big difference between the working and the ruling class, there was no equality and this is the reason why Dion’s death took place because the ruling class feared their powers would be diluted.

In my life, justice is very important because equilibrium can’t be established without it. One can be highly discouraged if they do not get the right reward according to his work. In the contemporary world this can pose a threat to an inefficient working society. References: 1: 2: 3: Forgotten books, The Seventh letter by Plato, translated by J.Harward, 2008. http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=_cC8ofFjEsUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=plato%27s+seventh+letter&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hfLtTudVr9DhBKTEgOUI&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=plato%27s%20seventh%20letter&f=false 4: