book_9
The tyrannical man evolves from the democratic man, which requires an analysis of desires and their influences. A key distinction is made between harmful, lawless desires and those aligned with reason. Every person has a class of violent, untamed desires that may surface during sleep when the rational part of the soul is inactive. Ideal discipline entails calming these desires before sleep to maintain harmony and allow rational thought to prevail.
The democratic man, influenced by a thrifty father, may rebel by indulging in excessive desires from social interactions. This indulgence can lead to lawlessness and the emergence of a tyrannical nature characterized by strong, uncontrollable desires. The life of the tyrannical man is marked by an influx of insatiable desires, driving him to feasting, parties, and extreme actions, including theft and betrayal of familial ties. His internal desires create chaos, resulting in resource consumption and harm to those who resist his demands.
The tyrant exists in a state devoid of true friendship, living under the shadows of distrust and injustice, embodying chaos born from unchecked desires. Ironically, the longer the tyrannical man remains in power, the unhappier he becomes, with his life dominated by violence, fear, and dissatisfaction, ultimately rendering him a slave to his own desires.
A city under tyrannical rule parallels the individual, both existing in fear and devoid of freedom. While wealth may be present, it does not equate to happiness or proper functioning. Citizens under tyranny endure a continuous cycle of crime, dissatisfaction, and inner turmoil. True happiness, in contrast, arises from self-control, rationality, and knowledge, sharply contrasting the chaotic pleasures pursued by the tyrant. This comparison underscores that inner virtue fosters a fulfilling and harmonious life, whereas tyranny inevitably leads to misery.