The relationship between morality and politics has been a topic of debate since the time of Plato. The ancient Greek philosopher was quickly disillusioned and disgusted with politics, recognizing the lack of morality in the political sphere. Machiavelli went so far as to say that politics requires individuals who are ignorant of morality. Kautilya also believed that morality and politics have no relation or connection to each other and are separate spheres. Many other philosophers and thinkers view politics as a game of deceit and a means for politicians to attain luxury and comfort at the expense of the masses. In reality, truth and morality are often absent in politics, with politicians relying on deception, doublespeak, and hypocrisy to succeed. In modern times, it is rare to come across a truly honest politician. Politicians and political parties are frequently seen changing their ideologies and positions to benefit themselves and their parties. This was highlighted in instances where a political party joined forces with another party they previously described as being communal-minded or corrupt. Such changes in political stance are seen as a means of misleading the public and gaining power and position. The result is a lack of genuine progress in social, economic, and moral development, as politicians prioritize their own interests over those of the people they represent. Politicians have a significant role to play in bringing excellence to the state, given their popularity among the public and their ability to influence their actions. However, it is concerning that politicians view themselves as rulers, rather than representatives with moral responsibilities to guide the people toward prosperity and goodness. While material advancements are important, politicians also have a duty to establish a political system based on truthfulness and principles. Unfortunately, politicians often sacrifice their principles for short-term gain, leading to a political atmosphere marked by opportunism and dubiousness. It is not enough to rely on religious organizations and preachers to promote ethical values in society. It is the collective responsibility of all individuals, including politicians, to work towards a better system. The politics for three-four decades, with its focus on power and opposition, often disregard rules, regulations, and principles. The values of goodness and righteousness have undergone significant change, with expediency often taking precedence over values and principles.
To bring about positive change, it is essential to rid politics of immorality and establish a political system that prioritizes ethics and morality. While democracy may provide a platform for politicians to legitimize their actions, true democracy requires a commitment to values and principles, rather than simply a struggle for power. Only then can the state hope to achieve genuine social, economic, and moral progress. Therefore, it is imperative that we work to re-establish moral values and principles in our political landscape for a better change and a better future for our society. #morality #politics #philosophy #truthfulness #responsibility #change #expediency #bitterrivalry #greedyforpower #unethicalpolitics