While reading this, I noticed a particular line, "...for the springs of both good and evil flow from the prince, over a whole nation, as from a lasting fountain." I immediately thought of the Niocomachean Ethics by Aristotle. This sounds very similar to Aristotle's defining features of a just ruler, in that a good prince will produce good people, and vice versa. It is often that the character of the ruler defines the character of the people he rules over, as he defines the laws of the land and his actions have great ramifications as the face and voice of his kingdom. This is such an important theme in political power, that some forget about. And in the end, the bad rulers receive their due.
I commented on Hannah and Trevor's post.
That is a really good connection! I was also reflecting on how much leadership impacts subjects. The quality of leadership directly correlates with the way the citizens behave.
ReplyDeleteI would agree and disagree. As followers of Christ, we are called to respect our leaders, but we aren't to follow them to the ends of the earth. I can see where people would be influenced to the point that their actions and motives are in line with their leaders, and that is something that must be addressed.
ReplyDeleteThis applies greatly to Christians. It shows that we cannot truly be led by any earthly ruler who does not follow Christ. If our ruler defines our actions, then Christ should be our only ruler as true believers in Christ. We are to pattern our character after his.
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