Mmastodon WorldUS Politics first seen 3 d ago, last 2 d ago, peak #1
Plato's warning on thumos and oligarchy resurfaces
Original: Plato wrote that the spirit & passion of “thumos” must be subord to reason; otherwise: st🚨devolves into a ruling class *
Commentators are reviving Plato's idea of 'thumos' — the spirited, passionate part of the soul — arguing it must remain subordinate to reason. In that view, a state ruled by unchecked passion degenerates into a ruling class that secretly hoards wealth, becoming an oligarchy. The discussion applies this to the United States, saying its founding principles permit the pursuit of power only when tethered to moral ends and restrained by the rule of law.
Why now: People are using Plato's framework to voice concern that current American politics risks sliding into oligarchy.
Evidence
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/2009371