“Since Greece and Rome, the problem has been that while there are philosophies for the individual, there has been no philosophy truly for the state…” Cosimo mumbled, still wearing the expression of having been caught off guard.
These days, scholars at European universities, including those in Florence, call that age the ‘Classical Era’—the time of Greece and Rome.
At least until about a thousand years ago, all the knowledge of the world was said to gather around Greece and Rome.
Naturally, this was a time when many different kinds of philosophies and ideas emerged.
Athens, where it was said that when a hundred people gather, there are one hundred and one opinions, existed during this period.
However, there was no real philosophy meant for the state.
Or rather, except for Plato’s “Republic,” almost none existed.
Even the famous Solon, though records remain of his deeds—whether those are true or not is questionable—there is little left about what he really thought as he acted.
Likewise, Numa, credited with laying the groundwork for Rome, left no record of the meaning behind his policies.
Of course, records like Plutarch’s Lives captured the tales of heroes, kings, and politicians.