In the modern world, there are many expressions that become winged over time. These are people's thoughts on the topics of life, power, the existence of God. One of these phrases over the centuries has become an axiom. They tried to interpret it in a different way, to use it as an excuse for the lawlessness that the state government often does, or to expose the people who allow these actions.
Greek philosopher
Everyone knows the ancient thinker Socrates. Many sayings of the Greek philosopher relate to the interaction of man and the law. Consider the meaning of the phrase: "Every nation deserves its ruler." Most likely, this expression Socrates wanted to say that, choosing power, each individual people should approach the issue consciously and seriously.
The ruler is ruled by the majority who elects, which means that this majority is worthy to obey the one who has been seated on the throne. Times go by, but what Socrates said, quotes that have become winged expressions are still relevant. They were repeated and repeated by more than one generation of thinkers.
The Greek philosopher wrote many works on the subject of society. He thought more than once about the expediency of the government and the subordination of the people to it.
Who is Joseph De Mestre, and what did he mean by saying the famous quote
In philosophical circles there is one famous person. It is associated with the famous phrase: “Every nation deserves its ruler” is a French-speaking subject of Sardinia of the XVIII 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, Count de Mestre.
In one written dialogue the phrase appeared: “Every nation has the government that it deserves” - this was the correspondence of the court envoy Alexander I and the government of Sardinia. What is she talking about? Under what circumstances was pronounced?
On August 27, 1811, as a reaction to the new laws of the government of the Russian Empire, Joseph de Mestre evaluated the actions of Alexander I. The whole meaning and anger of the court was put into one phrase, which became winged. What exactly did De Mestre want to say?
The people should carefully monitor the actions of the ruling elites. If society wants to live with dignity, the ruler must be appropriate.
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 him. And if this is not so, then why does it suffer? And if he is silent, does nothing, then the phrase: “Every nation is worthy of its ruler” is completely justified. In such a society, the government has the right to be. After all, the people are the decisive link; they have the right to choose the chapter 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 is primarily able to think. Making a mistake, the people pay for it in the form of unscrupulous power.
Joseph De Mestre 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 people. Among Russian Russian thinkers there were like-minded de Mestra, who boldly drew inspiration from his treatises and books. According to literary studies, 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 do not agree with the expression that every nation is worthy of its ruler was Ivan Aleksandrovich Ilyin. He believed that society is primarily people who share common interests. The character of the human masses has been shaped by centuries and entire generations. Choosing a chapter for themselves, the masses are guided by the principle of survival.
Expression: "Every nation has the government that it deserves," Ilyin considered fake and stupid. On this account, he cited weighty arguments. For example, the people of Holland. He suffered for a long time from the dictatorship of the authorities (Granvel and Egmondaili), although in essence he 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.
Misconception and public responsibility
Ilyin considered a mistake the soaps that were expressed by Joseph de Mestre. The latter simply interpreted in accordance with the surrounding reality the words of the great philosopher of antiquity. Perhaps Socrates’s quotes are either misinterpreted or simply false. Ilyin strongly disagreed with these philosophers. According to Ilyin, a good ruler can make people better.
And what did the people of the era of revolution in France cost the ferocity of the Convention and the despotism of Napoleon! This list can be continued for a very long time. Czechs, Serbs, Romanians, Slavs ...
Did they deserve a brutal attitude towards themselves at all times? Of course, any society can not be single-minded and the same mass. Among them are both the righteous and the atheists. Ilyin notes that the modern democratic system of election of a ruler cannot fully satisfy the needs of everyone. We vote for the image created by others, and not for the person whom we know well. Therefore, the share of responsibility lies with society, but it is so scanty that it is quite possible to choose a scoundrel without even knowing about it.
Biblical origins
The catch phrase that every nation is worthy of its ruler has its roots in Christian writings. The Bible says a lot. For some people, this is a native and understandable book itself. 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 writings, and partially cannot understand and accept. Unfortunately, too many people interpret this Great Book in different ways. Therefore, the phrase about the fact that each nation deserves its ruler, causes various disputes and becomes an occasion for philosophical conversations. One way or another, according to Scripture, all power is from God. Whether we like it or not, God is the Almighty, and nothing can pass by the All-Seeing Eye.
In the Christian understanding, there is one law - this is Love. And one cannot condemn a ruler, even the worst. He will have his own judgment - God. It is said more: “Love Christ and do what you want ...” He who has reason understands that by letting God into his heart and soul, he 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 he will not break it.
Why have a government?
But for those who did not know Christ, state regulation of laws is just what is needed. Maybe because the majority of society is godless or accepting God in an abstract way, without fulfilling its commandments ... And it is said that every nation deserves its own government, even if the whole nation seems peaceful. There are always pitfalls. Iron is first dipped into the fire, then forged and only then cooled. So people, apparently, give in 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 strive to be like them. Our soul is softened and purified 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 mankind as a whole. If we all understood how valuable human life is, how important it is to forgive and love, accept and give joy, live in good conscience, not steal and not fornication ... What to say about despot rulers, if violence has become the norm in many families. And how many abortions have been done worldwide (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, disingenuous and do good deeds. But, having come home, we can condemn, slander, hurt our neighbors behind closed doors, become despots, envious people, fornicators and gluttonies.
It is worth considering this. This topic can be continued for a long time. But we can say: we all need repentance before asking another government from God.