The Subsidiary State in Plato and Peterson’s Divine Guidance

Series Introduction:

In an era marked by increasing skepticism toward institutions, the interplay of leadership, integrity, and moral accountability takes center stage. Thinkers like Plato and Jordan Peterson have wrestled with these themes across history and literature, offering timeless insights into governance challenges, societal cohesion, and human tendencies toward corruption. Wade Fransson, author, and speaker, joins this intellectual tradition with a unique perspective shaped by his spiritual and professional journey.

This series examines how Fransson’s life and ideas resonate with—and diverge from—the insights of Plato and Peterson. Fransson’s trilogy explores the vulnerabilities of institutions and leaders to greed, ignorance, and ambition, shedding light on how principles like transparency, consultation, and humility can safeguard against decay. By weaving together Fransson’s experiences with the philosophical depth of Plato and the psychological narratives of Peterson, this series provides a multifaceted exploration of what it means to build and sustain just institutions.

Each article will delve into critical topics such as the influence of economic and political interests, the role of whistleblowers, and practical steps for fostering accountability. These discussions illuminate a path toward institutional reform grounded in wisdom, ethical leadership, and a commitment to the common good.

• Discussion Points:
  • The influence of economic and political interests on institutions
  • The importance of transparency and accountability
  • The role of whistleblowers in exposing corruption
  • Practical steps for holding institutions accountable

Peterson opens his book by considering God as the ultimate creative spirit, the force that brings order from chaos. This resonates deeply with Plato’s Form of the Good, described in the Republic as the source of all being and intelligibility (507b-509c). For both, creation is a physical act and a spiritual alignment with transcendent principles.

Wade’s reflections on the Baha’i teaching of the independent investigation of reality affirm this pursuit, emphasizing that aligning with truth requires humility. As Wade often notes, seeking truth necessitates dismantling the biases inherited from tradition and culture—a challenge he faced firsthand in departing from the rigid doctrines of the Worldwide Church of God.

The narrative of Adam and Eve provides a fertile ground for exploring the perils of pride and the sacred necessity of humility. Peterson’s interpretation of the fall portrays it as the birth of self-consciousness, where pride disrupts the divine moral order, leading to suffering and alienation. Genesis 3:24’s image of the flaming sword guarding Eden echoes Plato’s allegory of the charioteer in Phaedrus (246e-247c), where the soul, overcome by unruly desires, falls from divine harmony. Wade’s own journey mirrors this arc; his departure from a closed theological framework required the painful but liberating acknowledgment of personal limitations. He speaks of repentance not as self-flagellation but as an active alignment with the truth—a principle that resonates with both Peterson’s psychological insights and Plato’s philosophical ideals.

The story of Cain and Abel, as analyzed by Peterson, underscores the transformative power of sacrifice. Genesis 4:3-5 reveals God’s favor for Abel’s sincere offering, a dynamic Peterson connects to the psychological necessity of aligning one’s efforts with transcendent values. In Laws (716a-718b), Plato also emphasizes that sacrifice, when rooted in virtue, serves as a unifying force within society. Wade’s reflections deepen this discussion, drawing on the Baha’i concept of service as a form of spiritual sacrifice. His transition from minister to publisher became an offering of his talents to a broader audience, an act of humility and faith that transformed his identity and influence.

Peterson’s analysis of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:4-9 warns against the dangers of collective pride and the chaos that ensues when humanity oversteps its bounds. This theme is mirrored in Plato’s critique of tyranny in Republic (562a-564a), where unbridled desires lead to societal collapse. Wade’s experiences in institutional religion offer a lived perspective on this dynamic. He recalls the stifling effects of groupthink and the difficulty of challenging institutional dogma, highlighting the necessity of courage and humility in questioning entrenched systems. His embrace of the Baha’i principle of unity in diversity exemplifies an alternative—a model of community that values independent thought while maintaining collective harmony.

The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18) stands as a pinnacle of faith in Peterson’s analysis, symbolizing identity transformation through submission to divine will. Plato’s philosopher-king in Republic (519b-521c) undergoes a similar process, abandoning personal desires to serve the greater Good. Wade’s reflections on sacrifice add a practical dimension to this discussion. He emphasizes the importance of relinquishing the ego, often recounting his own struggles to reconcile personal ambition with a commitment to truth. For Wade, true leadership emerges from this crucible of humility; a lesson echoed in both Plato’s and Peterson’s work.

In considering Moses and the Commandments, Peterson identifies the subsidiary state as a divinely inspired alternative to tyranny and chaos. Plato’s Laws (713b-714a) offers a comparable vision, advocating for a legal structure rooted in virtue and reason. Wade’s emphasis on the practical application of spiritual principles aligns with this vision, particularly his focus on fostering communities that prioritize accountability and truth. His reflections underscore that justice begins with the individual’s commitment to humility and self-examination. This theme ties together the wisdom of Plato, the Bible, and Peterson’s psychological insights.

Plato’s dialogues often caution against the corruption of institutions, warning that when economic and political interests overshadow the pursuit of the Good, the very structures meant to serve justice become tools of tyranny. This theme is echoed in the modern context by Jordan Peterson, who highlights how once-established institutions prioritize self-preservation over their original purpose. Both perspectives illuminate the need for vigilance in scrutinizing authority, recognizing that even the most virtuous systems can decay without transparency and accountability.

Economic and political forces significantly influence institutions, steering their decisions in ways that may conflict with their stated missions. Plato’s critique of oligarchy in Republic (550c-552e) shows how wealth can distort governance, reducing justice to the protection of the interests of the powerful. Similarly, Peterson observes that institutions can become ideologically possessed, clinging to dogmas perpetuating their dominance. Wade Fransson’s reflections on his time within the World Wide Church of God illustrate this dynamic; economic motivations and hierarchical control often suppressed individual inquiry, leaving little room for genuine spiritual growth. His eventual departure was not merely an act of rebellion but a call for greater alignment with truth.

Transparency is an essential countermeasure to institutional corruption. In Plato’s ideal state, leaders are expected to align their actions with the unchanging standards of the Good, their integrity measured against universal truths rather than personal or collective gain. In modern terms, transparency involves clear communication, open access to decision-making processes, and the ability to question authority without fear of retribution. Peterson emphasizes that accountability must accompany transparency, where leaders and institutions are held to their commitments. Wade’s work within the Baha’i Faith similarly underscores the necessity of accountability, particularly in fostering a community culture where honesty and self-scrutiny are paramount.

Whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing corruption, often acting as the conscience of institutions that have strayed from their principles. Their courage aligns with the Platonic ideal of the philosopher who speaks truth to power, even at great personal risk. In Peterson’s framework, whistleblowers embody the archetype of the individual standing against the chaos of institutional decay, bringing hidden injustices to light. Wade’s advocacy for independent investigation reflects this same principle, highlighting the need for individuals to take responsibility for uncovering and addressing systemic wrongs. Yet whistleblowers often face significant backlash, underscoring the need for societal protective structures to ensure their voices are not silenced.

Practical steps for holding institutions accountable begin with fostering a culture of questioning and dialogue, much as Socrates did in Athens. This requires education systems that teach critical thinking and encourage authority evaluation. Legal mechanisms, such as independent oversight committees and whistleblower protections, are essential for maintaining institutional integrity. Wade emphasizes the importance of community involvement, suggesting that grassroots efforts—such as participatory governance and open forums—can serve as checks on centralized power. Peterson’s insights add that individuals must cultivate personal responsibility, ensuring their actions contribute to transparency and fairness within their spheres of influence.

Plato, Peterson, and Wade agree that institutions are necessary for order, but their fallibility demands vigilance. A commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability must balance the influence of economic and political interests. Whistleblowers, educators, and informed citizens all have roles to play in ensuring that institutions remain aligned with their original purposes, fostering societies that uphold justice rather than succumbing to corruption. Through these efforts, the ideals of Plato’s Republic and the moral teachings of scripture find renewed relevance in addressing the challenges of contemporary governance.

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