The Morality Test: An Ancient Perspective on Personal Virtue and Patriotism in Public Life

Abstract

This paper follows the life of Alcibiades of Athens, the brilliantly successful general in the Peloponnesian War, whose dissolute private life and lack of patriotism made him a sinister figure in Athens. Having neither lived a virtuous life nor made it clear that he would subordinate his interest to the city, Alcibiades failed to gain the trust of the democratic populace of Athens. When suspicious citizens recaleld him from the battlefield, Alcibiades turned traitor and fought for Sparta, effectively ruining Athens' chances for victory. Given this example, this paper argues that the private lives of public figures are relevant to their positions as leaders of the state. The ability for a community to trust and respect its leaders is of paramount importance and must be protected by the appointment of virtuous and patriotic leaders to public positions.