The Statesman

What makes a true leader? In this searching and often playful dialogue, Plato’s Eleatic Visitor leads a younger Socrates through the rigorous method of logical division to hunt down the essence of the statesman. Along the way they confront a sweeping myth of cosmic cycles, unpack the art of weaving as a paradigm for political expertise, and debate whether law or the judgment of a wise ruler should govern a society. The Statesman challenges us to think beyond mere constitutions and offices, asking what genuine knowledge of ruling looks like in a world of constant change. This Modern Wisdom Library edition presents Plato’s classic in clear, contemporary English while preserving the subtlety and wit of the original. Whether you are new to philosophy or a seasoned reader, you will find here a timeless inquiry into leadership, wisdom, and the art of living together. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.