"Πολιτικός" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written in antiquity. The text follows a conversation among Socrates, the mathematician Theodorus, Socrates the Younger, and an unnamed Eleatic philosopher as they attempt to define what makes a true statesman. Using a method of systematic division, they distinguish the genuine statesman—who possesses specialized knowledge of just rule—from the sophist who merely imitates such wisdom. The dialogue explores how political power requires unique expertise rather than mere appearance of authority. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
These books are free to read. Each is in the public domain in the United States; check your own country's rules before you copy or share one.