Do we have the power to let power go?

This week’s assignment consisted of reading Plato’s The Republic: Book II. During the text, Socrates’ companion, Glaucon, invokes the legend of the ring of Gyges to provoke a so-called “thought experiment”. I decided to do a little of my own research and further delve into the interesting tale of Gyges. Gyges was a shepherd in the service of the king of Lydia. One day while he was tending his flock, an earthquake struck and a massive whole opened in the ground nearby. Gyges was amazed at what had just happened and out of curiosity decided to descend into the opening. Upon descending, Gyges realized that he was in a tomb that contained a bronze horse that held a corpse. The dead body had nothing on but a golden ring that held the power of invisibility. Gyges kept the ring for himself. Shortly after, he crafted a plan and proceeded to get himself appointed emissary to the king. When he arrived at the king's palace, Gyges unjustly used the ring to seduce the queen, and with her help murder the king, consequentially becoming the king of Lydia himself. The legend of Gyges remains important to us today because it concerns what we can expect humans to do with power over others. For example, in politics, we give power to others, hoping that they will do what is right. If the meaning behind the ring of Gyges is correct, then we had better watch out. According to Socrates, anyone who gains power without accountability is liable to use it unjustly. Now imagine for a moment that you were in possession of such a ring. How would you use it?