The Sovereign
From Valwiki
| Author: | Aaran Smarth. |
| Subtitle: | A Discourse on Leadership. |
| Language: | Common. |
| Document Type: | Essay turned Book. |
| Genre: | Philosophy. |
The Sovereign is a political treatise by political theorist and noble, Aaran Smarth. Originally called "About Sovereignty", it draws upon the actions of past and at the time current rulers, including the author's own uncle, Eian Smarth whom he's reported to have admired greatly. It is also said to be filled with much of the economic knowledge and ideas of his father, Jarden Smarth as well as the down to earth economic ideas of Eian. It was originally written as a dissertation for his tutor, Franz Hauer, who was so impressed by it he published it along with his own commentary which can be found in the preface of the first edition.
Overview
The views given by Aaran in The Sovereign may seem extreme even for the time period in which they were written. However, his life in Alberea, Celdin, and Valikorlia was a time of continuous political conflict. Accordingly, Aaran emphasizes the need for stability in a Sovereign’s political structure; at stake is its preservation. The book was written primarily as a guide for a monarch to maintain his power and only secondarily as a guide for maintaining the monarchy.
The ideas expressed in The Sovereign describe methods that an aspiring ruler can use to acquire the throne, or an existing ruler can use to maintain his reign. According to Aaran, the greatest moral good is a virtuous and stable state, and actions to protect the country are therefore justified even if they are cruel. Aaraon goes on to strongly suggests, however, that the prince must not be hated. He states, "...a wise Sovereign should establish himself on that which is his own control and not in that of others; he must endeavor to avoid hatred, as is noted."
