If we posit an antagonistic dichotomy of technical ability versus wise competence, we would be wrong. In reality, these two possibilities coexist in the people and others who make up each individual’s personality, and are also found in those who fulfill the roles associated with government functions. Thus, the profiles of rulers, essentially ordinary citizens, are analyzed on this occasion in the light of what is needed to adequately fulfill their governing tasks in order to achieve the highest possible level of well-being of the societies they serve. .

Theoretical and technical competencies, such as knowledge of economics, trade, law, international relations and others that are covered in the curricula of educational institutions, are valued as essential for the correct performance of the ruler. But that vision is partial. Knowledge is undoubtedly necessary. But it is more important, for everyone, not just rulers, to understand and practice forms of wisdom that, being such, point to care for life, respect for people and, ultimately, goodness as a characteristic of personalities oriented towards serving others, whose the biggest representatives – theoretically – should be those who rule.

But, unfortunately, we are not brought up to be kind and serve others, because modern civilization, which is dominated by the one-dimensionality of the market and power, believes that in order to achieve these goals it is not necessary to practice virtues aimed at seeking what is morally right… Society knows this and that is why many they despise the moral utopia, which they classify as almost a caricature, because they believe that strategy and knowledge are the path to success, which for them is synonymous with wealth and power.

However, the function of government in its most intimate form is to be patriotic, and therefore selfless service that contributes to making the lives of others better. And, on that plane of absolute altruism which is that of well-conducted politics, the search for improving the conditions of the poor, the vast majority of people who live outside the benefit of science and the market, should be one of its transcendent goals.

This statement, so much disparaged in practice, is found in every political science text or in any analysis that describes the duty of rulers, despite being blatantly used, as a kind of clothing with which they dress in what they are not and are not. I want to be.

I wrote these lines thinking of some examples that in this sense are found in that masterpiece of universal culture, i.e. Arabian Nights, but the dynamics of the writing led me down other paths that are captured here. I thought of mentioning the opinion of Voltaire, Confucius and Kant, from whom – and to conclude – I take his idea which claims that the ethics of the ruler recognizes the universality of moral principles, human dignity, reason and the fulfillment of duty. (OR)