State of the World Psyche
These observations are impartial and primarily focus on the words and actions of the four leading sovereign nations.
The United States of America,
The People's Republic of China,
The Russian Federation,
The Republic of India.
~~~~~~
Reverse Chronological Order
➔ The house of Kephalos, Peiraias, Athens, Ancient Greece, Late 5th century BCE
Socrates: Such infinite people that do not support the philosophy of virtue/excellence and are always present at convivial events and similar, are carried to the subterranean, and then returned to the intermediate state; they wander this way for their entire existence. At no time, passing over this state of existence, do they observe the truth beyond... but after the manner of wild animals, they are always declined towards the earth and their feeding receptacles. Their existence is satisfied through feeding and coupling. The consequence of this existence is rapacious desires, and soon they are recalcitrant, using their iron horns and hoofs to destroy one another through their insatiability...
Glaucon: You oracularly describe the existence of the multitude most perfectly, O Socrates.
Socrates: Then so, of necessity, must they not associate pleasures mixed with pains as idols of the true pleasure, which is overshadowed and gradated because of their position adjacent to one another? So that their convivial events appear vehement, and intensify their rabid frenzy, stimulating in themselves a desire for the ignorant. Hence, they value their existence and battle for it just as at Troy, Stesichoros says, they contested the idol of Helen through ignorance of the true one.
Glaucon: Of necessity, this kind of thing must take place.
Socrates: And what follows concerning the spirited part of the psyche? By necessity, must other things not be brought about by this self when it satisfies that part, through envy, or desire for victory through violence, the construction of discord, spirited anger pursuing plentiful honour, and claiming victory without intelligence and reasoning?
Glaucon: Concerning that part of the psyche, such things must necessarily happen.
Source: Plato, On Polity IX (The Republic, extract from Book IX),
New English Recensional Translation, by The Editor of ClassicalPhilosophy.org, Chichester, England, 2025.
➔ Secretary of Defence Peter Hegseth, Oval Office - Renaming Department of Defense to Department of War, Sep 05, 2025
~ABRIDGED~
"...then 150 years after that, we changed the name after World War II from the Department of War to the Department of Defense in 1947. And as you pointed out, Mr. President, we haven't won a major war since... that's to recognise that this name change is not just about renaming. It's about restoring, words matter... restoring the warrior ethos, restoring victory and clarity as an end state. Restoring intentionality to the use of force... the war department is going to fight decisively, not endless conflicts... to fight to win, not to lose. We're going to go on offence, not just defence. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality. Violent effect, not politically correct. We're going to raise up warriors, not just defenders... America first, peace through strength, brought to you by the War Department."
Source: Secretary of Defence, Oval Office, United States of America
➔ @realDonaldTrump - Truth Social, Sep 05, 2025
"Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!"
Source: President of the United States of America, Truth Social
➔ Russia-China talks took place in the Great Hall of the People. BEIJING, Sept. 2, 2025
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping addresses President of Russia Vladimir Putin.
~ABRIDGED~
"...Tomorrow, you, Mr President, and I, as well as heads of state, representatives of international organisations and honoured guests from five continents, will be solemnly celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and victory in the World Anti-Fascist War...
Chinese-Russian relations have withstood the test of international climate and stand as a model of interstate relations, good-neighbourliness, friendship, comprehensive strategic partnership, mutually beneficial cooperation and shared success...
We are ready to continue supporting each other in our national development and prosperity, to steadfastly uphold international justice and equality, and to advance the establishment of a more just and rational system of global governance..."
President of Russia Vladimir Putin responds to President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping:
~ABRIDGED~
"...Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russian-Chinese ties, which have reached an unprecedented level. This came fully to light during your May visit to Russia and your participation in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War...
It is a tribute to the heroism of our nations, the people of Russia and China during World War II, a reaffirmation of the key role our countries played in the European and Asian theatres of war, and a testament to our shared commitment to defending historical truth and justice...
The memory of our combat brotherhood, of trust, mutual assistance, and our resolute protection of our common interests laid the groundwork for the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China in the new era. We stood together then, and we stand together now..."
Source: President of Russia, The Kremlin
➔ TIANJIN, Sept. 1, 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in north China's port city of Tianjin Monday afternoon.
~ABRIDGED~
"New threats and challenges have been only increasing. The world has found itself in a new period of turbulence and transformation. Global governance has come to a new crossroads...
To this end, I wish to propose... a more just and equitable global governance system... with a shared future for humanity.
First, we should adhere to sovereign equality... and increase the representation and voice of developing countries.
Second, we should abide by international rule of law... There should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others.
Third, we should practice multilateralism... strengthen solidarity and coordination, and oppose unilateralism...
Fourth, we should advocate the people-centered approach. We should reform and improve the global governance system to ensure that the people of every nation are the actors in and beneficiaries of global governance...
Fifth... coordinate global actions... enhance practical cooperation to prevent the governance system from lagging behind or being fragmented...
We are ready, together with all parties, to uphold courageously the great principle and the common good of the world, promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, resolutely safeguard the fruits of our victory in the War, and deliver more benefits to the entire humanity through the reform of the global governance system and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity..."
Source: The State Council of The People's Republic of China
➔ EAM’s [Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India] opening remarks during meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (New Delhi, August 18, 2025)
~ABRIDGED~
"This occasion provides us an opportunity to meet and review our bilateral ties. It is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest...
Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, Excellency, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides...
Excellency, when the world’s two largest nations meet, it is natural that the international situation will be discussed. We seek a fair, balanced and multi-polar world order, including a multi-polar Asia. Reformed multilateralism is also the call of the day. In the current environment, there is clearly the imperative of maintaining and enhancing stability in the global economy as well. The fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is another major priority...
Overall, it is our expectation that our discussions would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns..."
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, The Government of India