Power, community and the best way to rule have been an issue of longstanding debate in human history. Who should have power, how should one rule and what role should the government play are questions that have been at the forefront of every civilization and have sparked conflict and controversy on a number of occasions. The fundamental components of control have placed the human need for order and system against the human desire for freedom. However, the debate concerning power and community has been touched upon by philosophers and has not solely been the subject of politicians or monarchs. Both Niccolò Machiavelli, in his writings "The Prince- and "Discourses-, and Plato, in his work "The Republic-, address the concepts of power and community in relation to politics and leadership. According to Plato the primary duty of government is to allow people to live in their respective classes and to practice a craft, which they have a natural aptitude for. In short, Plato's government while giving the illusion of freedom strengthens the exigency for community. On the other hand, Machiavelli proposes that the government's chief interest is to remain intact, thereby preserving stability for the people who live under it. Both Plato and Maciavelli, venture to strike a balance between stability and freedom, and in the process admit that neither can be totally had. .
Plato in the "Republic- views the state as a grand version of the individual. He states that the soul of the individual is comprised of three parts: the appetite, the spirit, and the reason, and these three parts have distinct objectives and aspirations. For instance, the appetite is associated with the quest for physical pleasure. This aspect of the soul is contented by amenities such as food, sex and drink. The spirit is in connection with emotional conditions such as anger, joy, and sadness. Similarly reason finds fulfillment in the study of the Forms, or absolute beauty, which in order to be understood, requires intellect.
