“Politics means putting corrupt individuals into government who usually take advantage upon the country. I will not go out to vote” I heard these words recently from many young people who are eligible to vote for the first time. Is such a view worthwhile to hold? Does it enjoy the support of the learned? If it is false how can we correct it? Politics is simply the art or science of government or governing a nation, the administration and control of its internal and external affairs. The word politics comes from the Greek word politicos which means “of, for or relating to citizens”. Wherever honesty prevails in politics there is peace, joy and much progress. Wherever vice, covetousness and oppression prevail in politics there is dire poverty, sickness, ignorance and the daily cry of citizens. The wise man Solomon referred to this truth in the Bible when he wrote “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Proverbs 29:2).
Politics has been in human society throughout human history. Early thinkers such as Plato, Confucius and Aristotle have left us writings which can help us to have a balanced view of politics. Aristotle (384-322 B.C) was a Greek philosopher, scientist and thinker who believed that politics is an authoritative and practical
