philosopher king

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noun

the Platonic ideal of a ruler, philosophically trained and enlightened.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of philosopher king

First recorded in 1920–25

How to use philosopher king in a sentence

Diceneus, philosopher-king of Dacia, perhaps Cassiodorus' ideal of a king, 32.
The Letters of Cassiodorus|Cassiodorus (AKA Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator)
Shall we, then, have the philosopher-king, as Europe dimly seems to half expect?
The World's Greatest Books, Vol XII.|Arthur Mee
The Philosopher King is perfectly willing, "provided you don't involve me in Wars with my neighbors."
History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. XXI. (of XXI.)|Thomas Carlyle
The true statesman, the philosopher king, in Plato's phrase, sees and serves the public good.
The Five Great Philosophies of Life|William de Witt Hyde

They sought in him the philosopher king—that mirage which, as we have noted, Confucius and Plato had sought in their day.
The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind|Herbert George Wells

Cultural definitions for philosopher king

philosopher-king

In the Republic by Plato, the ideal ruler, who has the virtue and wisdom of a philosopher.