Philosophers have the keenest sight into reality. They are educated from earliest childhood to act in harmony with the four excellences of human nature: wisdom, moderation, courage, and justice. The true philosophers are different breeds of people from the average citizen; therefore, their ways of displaying the four virtues are different in quality. Wisdom is revealed by their persistent love of truth and by their continual devotion to the spirit of truthfulness. Moderation is manifested by their disregard of physical pleasures and by their immense delight in intellectual bliss. Courage appears through their understanding that death should not be feared because they know that the essence of things, like human souls, is eternal. Their lack of concern over petty matters, their integrity, and their understanding of wholeness demonstrate justice. .
I see the philosopher king as a perfect ruler, but I find it unlikely that such a person like this exists. These qualities make the philosopher king of supernatural sorts. If, in fact, this person did exist, I would not believe them to actually benefit the community. It is human nature for one to benefit themselves rather than others. I would be inclined to say that person carrying such incredible traits would pursue a way to make him or herself superior than others.
True philosophers have a genuine passion for acquiring truth and a polis could certainly benefit from the guidance of a philosopher king, so why are there so many inadequate philosophers ruling over cities? That is because the political arena is filled with deceit, dishonesty, and instances of inhumanity. Because of their wisdom and moral character, philosophers cannot enter the political arena. Philosophers are not political contenders. They concentrate on universal truths rather than the popular issues of the moment. The public does not see truth. Instead, inadequate philosophers that beg for power manipulate the public.