The ghetto of writing: Esotericism and fear in political philosophy

Leo Strauss precludes the possibility that the most important philosophic teachings occur exoterically. He tells us that political philosophers, and in particular, ancient political philosophers such as Plato, discovered the truths not of their own time, but for all time. Crucial meaning, truth for the authentic philosopher, is to be found only esoterically. True philosophy, therefore, occurs in the space "between the lines" and it is only the authentic philosopher who can recognize and uncover the hidden truth. Why does political philosophy seek out this cryptic space and where does this journey lead? Recent studies have suggested that, for Strauss, there are numerous reasons for a political philosopher to write esoterically. In this essay, I argue that there is but one necessary reason for esoteric writing. For Strauss, that reason is fear; philosophy, according to Strauss, is driven between the lines by the fear of persecution. Moreover, I argue that the fear of persecution compels political philosophy into a metaphorical space where meaning is confined on all sides. The space "between the lines" is walled in by the positive demarcation of exoteric print. If fear compels the political philosopher to write "between the lines," then the effort to avoid persecution abandons political philosophy into an impoverished, isolated space, a ghetto of writing.