‘Mob rule and emasculation of the wise’ is a concept Plato put forth to articulate the dangers of democracy without checks and balances. Plato believed that when the masses rule without restraint, they might act on their passions and prejudices rather than reason, leading to potential chaos and instability. The ’emasculation of the wise’ refers to the sidelining or suppression of those who possess wisdom and knowledge. In a mob rule, the voice of the wise can be drowned out by the clamor of the masses, which can lead to a decline in rational decision-making.

‘Who will watch the guardians?’ is another vital question posed by Plato in his work ‘The Republic’. This statement is often interpreted as a cautionary reminder about the potential for abuse of power. Even those who are entrusted with the responsibility of guarding society’s values and principles need to be watched and held accountable for their actions. This is to prevent them from becoming tyrants themselves.

In today’s world, these ideas are still very relevant. Democracies must strike a balance between majority rule and the protection of minority rights, ensuring that decisions are made based on reason and not just popular sentiment. The ’emasculation of the wise’ can be seen in the way experts and scientists are sometimes ignored or discredited in public discourse, leading to uninformed or misguided decisions.

‘Who will watch the guardians?’ is a question that underpins the need for transparency and accountability in all forms of governance, be it political, corporate, or institutional. The recent emphasis on police reform, for instance, can be seen as a practical application of this idea.

In terms of personal development, these ideas serve as reminders to value wisdom and knowledge, to question authority and not to blindly follow the crowd. They encourage individuals to be accountable for their actions and to remain vigilant against potential abuses of power in their personal and professional lives.