KINGS AS TRYANTS AND TYRANTS AS KINGS

 

KINGS AS TRYANTS AND TYRANTS AS KINGS

Whereas in Indian scriptures there is hardly any encouragement for kings to behave like tyrants, in the Greek literature we do have several examples indicating the tyranny of kings over their own subjects and other subjugated people.

            We give here the views of Gr3eek philosopher Aristotle under whom Alexander had his comprehensive education.  According to this philosopher educator, a tyrant is chosen from the people to be their protector against the notables, and prevent them from being injured. 

He adds that it is manifested in history that all tyrants have been demagogues who gained the favour of the people by their accusation of the notables. 

At any rate this was the manner in which the tyrannies arose in the days when city states had increased in power.

            A tyrant, says Aristotle, maintains himself in power by employing a large number of spies to keep watch over the defiant elements in the state.  He follows a policy of military aggression abroad.  A foreign war, successfully conducted, is the best means of diverting the minds of the subjects from the irregularities and ugliness of the domestic policy of the tyrant. 

            The tyrant destroys the intellectual life of the citizens to render them incapable of political speculation which is dangerous for him.

            According to Aristotle while making his subjects turn to mean thoughts, a tyrant does all he can to provide their material well-being.  He makes his subjects lose themselves in economic pursuits.  He refrains from using his great power and his position as a source of material gain.  He cultivates the goodwill of the people.  He rewards them himself but punishes them through others.  He shows sympathy and concern for the people, respects their religious sentiments; avoids display of regal magnificence.  He promotes find arts.  He cloaks his feelings and retains self-confidence.  He advances potent reasons for his public actions.

            It is obvious from the life history of Alexander that he learnt all these tactics of statecraft from his philosophical and political tutor and followed them time and again.