Every nation is worthy of its ruler - the author and meaning of the expression

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:41

In the modern world, there are many expressions that eventually become catchphrases. These are reflections of people on the topics of life, power, the existence of God. One of these phrases has become an axiom over the centuries. They tried to interpret it in different ways, to use it as an excuse for the lawlessness that the state government often does, or to denounce the people who allow these actions.

Greek philosopher

Everyone knows the ancient thinker Socrates. Many sayings of the Greek philosopher refer to the interaction of man and law. Consider the meaning of the phrase: "Every nation is worthy of its ruler." Most likely, with this expression, Socrates meant to say that, choosing power, each individual people should approach the issue consciously and seriously.

The ruler who is chosen by the majority rules, which means that this majority deserves to obey the one whomplaced on the throne. Times go by, but what Socrates said, quotes that have become catchphrases, are still relevant. They were repeated and repeated by more than one generation of thinkers.

Greek philosopher wrote many works on the topic of society. He repeatedly thought about the expediency of the government and the subordination of the people to it.

Who is Joseph De Maistre and what did he mean when he said the famous quote

There is one well-known figure in philosophical circles. It is associated with the famous phrase: "Every nation is worthy of its ruler" - this is a French-speaking subject of Sardinia in the 18th century. He was known as a diplomat, politician, writer and philosopher. In addition, he was the founder of political conservatism. His name is Joseph-Marie, Comte de Maistre.

In one written dialogue there was a phrase: "Every nation has the government it deserves" - this was the correspondence between the court envoy of Alexander I and the government of Sardinia. What is she talking about? Under what circumstances was it spoken?

On August 27, 1811, as a reaction to the new laws of the government of the Russian Empire, Joseph de Maistre evaluated the actions of Alexander I. The whole meaning and anger of the courtier was invested in one phrase, which became winged. What exactly did De Maistre mean?

The people should closely monitor the actions of the ruling elite. If society wants to live with dignity, the ruler must be appropriate.

The right to choose

The immorality of the actions of the head of state lies on the conscience of the people. If the people allow the domination of the ignorant, then it suits them. And if this is not so, then why does it endure? And if he is silent, does nothing, then the phrase: "Every nation is worthy of its ruler" is quite justified. In such a society, there is a right to have an appropriate government. After all, the people are the decisive link, they have the right to choose the head that is close to them.

A democratic society is not a faceless mass of people and not a herd of dumb people. It has eyes and ears and, first of all, it can think. Making a mistake, the people pay for it in the form of unscrupulous government.

Joseph De Maistre has lived in Russia for more than ten years. During this time, the political philosopher managed to write many works on the topic of power and the people. Among domestic Russian thinkers there were like-minded de Maistre, who boldly drew inspiration from his treatises and books. According to literary research, the philosophical thoughts of this author can be traced in the works of L. Tolstoy, F. Dostoevsky, F. Tyutchev and others.

Russian Ilyin

Of course, if there are adherents, then there are opponents. Among those who disagree with the expression that every nation is worthy of its ruler was Ivan Alexandrovich Ilyin. He believed that society is primarily people who are connected by common interests. The character of the human masses is shaped by centuries and whole generations. In choosing their leader, the masses are guided by the principle of survival.

The expression: "Every nation has the government it deserves," Ilyin considered false and stupid. He made strong arguments in this regard. For example, the people of Holland. It suffered for a long time from the dictatorship of the authorities (Granvel and Egmondaili), although in essence it was a very peaceful people. England (XVII century) perished under the rule of Charles the First and Stuart, Cromwell. What about Catholic executions, civil wars and Protestant terror? All this was directed against a peaceful and educated people.

Falsehood and social responsibility

Ilyin considered the mistake of washing, which was expressed by Joseph de Maistre. The latter simply interpreted the words of the great philosopher of antiquity in accordance with the reality surrounding him. Perhaps Socrates' quotes are either misinterpreted, or they are simply false. Ilyin categorically disagreed with these philosophers. According to Ilyin, a good ruler can make the people better.

And what did the ferocity of the Convention and the despotism of Napoleon cost the people of the era of revolutions in France! This list can be continued for a very long time. Czechs, Serbs, Romanians, Slavs…

Did they deserve to be treated brutally at all times? Of course, any society cannot be one-faced and the same mass. Among them there are both the righteous and the atheists. Ilyin notes that the modern democratic system of electing a ruler cannot fully meet the needs of everyone. We are voting foran image created by others, and not for a person we know well. Therefore, the share of responsibility lies with society, but it is so meager that it is quite possible to choose a scoundrel without even knowing it.

Bible origins

The catchphrase that every nation is worthy of its ruler has its roots in Christian scriptures. Much is said in the Bible. For some people, this is a very familiar and understandable book. But there are those who do not understand the meaning of what was said at all. There are also people who partially take to heart what is written in the Holy Scriptures, and partially cannot understand and accept. Unfortunately, too many people interpret this Great Book in different ways. Therefore, the phrase that every nation deserves its ruler causes various disputes and becomes an occasion for philosophical discussions. Either way, according to Scripture, all authority is from God. Whether we like it or not, God is the almighty, and nothing can get past the All-Seeing Eye.

In the Christian understanding there is one law - it is Love. And it is impossible to condemn the ruler, even the most terrible one. He will have his own judgment - God's. It is more said: “Love Christ and do what you want…” He who has reason understands that, having let God into his heart and soul, a person is not capable of crime. He lives according to the law of conscience, which is the voice of God. Therefore, such a person does not need written laws. He has the Law in his heart and will not break it.

Why have a government?

But for those who did not know Christ, government regulation of laws is just what is needed. Maybe,because society for the most part is godless or accepts God abstractly, without fulfilling his commandments… And it is said that every nation deserves its own government, even if the nation as a whole seems peaceful. There are always pitfalls. Iron is first dipped in fire, then forged, and only then cooled. So people, apparently, lend themselves to such forging in order to expose the stench of souls and reveal the best, as we say, heroes. Then, looking at the heroes, we at least a little strive to be like them. Our soul is softened and cleansed in suffering. Yes, it hurts, but for some reason, when we are full, we have everything, we become more ungrateful, lazy and lustful.

What do we all need?

The one who said: "Every nation is worthy of its ruler" - perhaps understood the depth of the fall of humanity as a whole. If we all understood how valuable human life is, how important it is to forgive and love, to accept and give joy, to live according to conscience, not to steal or fornicate … What can we say about despot rulers, if violence has become the norm in many families. And how many abortions have been done around the world (legalized killing of children)? So, maybe the one who said: "Every nation is worthy of its ruler," was right? How much is hidden in our souls? How we can speak beautifully in public, hypocrisy and do good deeds. But, having come home, behind closed doors we can condemn, slander, hurt our neighbors, become despots, envious, fornicators and gluttons.

Worth considering. This topic can be continued for a long time. But we can say: we all needrepentance before asking God for another government.