Comparison Of Myths And Mandates: Hierarchy Across Eurasia

Myths and Mandates: Hierarchy Across Eurasia
Introduction
In this paper, I will be comparing and contrasting the “noble lie” found in The Republic by Plato with the Mandate of Heaven, a doctrine introduced by Chinese political philosophers during the Zhou Dynasty. I plan to begin by summarizing Plato’s ideas about the Myth of the Metals and King Wu of Zhou’s Mandate of Heaven, both of which are “noble lies” used to maintain order in their respective cities and states. Afterwards, I will highlight the similarities between the two ideas–specifically, how both leaders must be virtuous and be in good moral standing–and go in depth on why they both believe that only those who are capable should rule. I also intend to demonstrate the contrasts between

Unlike commoners, philosophers–all belonging to the ruling class with gold mixed into their souls–are the only people capable of grasping the Forms, or nonphysical things that cannot exist in the physical realm (Plato, Republic 484b). Because of their rare ability to understand intelligible Forms such as beauty, Plato believes that philosophers should rightfully rule over their less-intelligent peers as “philosopher-kings.” This is not because they want to, but rather because they need to out of fear of being ruled by someone who is below them (Plato, Republic 347c). The Mandate of Heaven, however, vouches for a different system of succession. Because heaven always selects the most benevolent and virtuous man as Zhou’s next emperor, citizens are promised the right to rebel when the emperor no longer rules for the sake of the people. It is the right to a revolution, nonetheless, that wins the hearts of people under Zhou’s rule. As opposed to how Plato views it, society is far more dynamic and unstable than Kallipolis. While a “noble lie” such as the Myth of the Metals is used to suppress feelings of rebellion, Plato cannot promise that this story will win the hearts of everyone within the city. Hierarchical systems, especially when they are predetermined by what is believed to be fate, tend to create severe divisions and bitter feelings between the different

While it is rare for silver parents to produce gold offspring and for gold parents to produce bronze or silver children, there is still the possibility (Plato, Republic 415b). Comparably, the Mandate of Heaven decides on the next ruler through a lottery system, surveying the population for the best fit to rule. Knowing that their ruler does not have to be of noble birth allows the commoners to feel like equals of different occupations rather than inferiors under the authority of a ruler. For the residents of both Kallipolis and Zhou, their rulers are more than qualified to be in said roles because they did not inherit their position, but rather earned it through showing humility and selflessness. Through these “noble lies,” Plato and Zhou are both promoting political utopianism. The fundamental goal of both rulers is to serve their people and do what is best for everyone but themselves; this, therefore, poses the question: what is the best for everyone? And how can one who devotes himself to contemplating Forms be able to ensure equality among the people of Kallipolis? How can one who lives in a luxurious palace be able to empathize with those living in impoverished