The philosopher king Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam 02 Mar 2021 There was never a doubt about it. Never! That Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari happens to be one of the wisest and noblest Indians. His latest work, By Many a Happy Accident, vindicates widespread feelings of respect for this man who comes closest to Plato’s idea of philosopher king. Although he was not the king, but a vice-regent who, with his extraordinary merit, grew out of the shadow of the king. His trajectory, moving from a career diplomat’s suave life to greater public engagement as the Republic’s veep, was never easy, or smooth.