And we must beg Homer and the other poets not to be angry if we strike out these and similar passages, not because they are unpoetical, or unattractive to the popular ear, but because the greater the poetical charm in them, the less are they meet for the ears of boys and men who are meant to be free, and who should fear slavery more than death.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Poets should avoid certain passages not because they are bad art, but because they are not suitable for free men who should fear slavery more than death.
- In plain terms
- Remove poetry that encourages weakness even if it is beautiful.
- What can you take from it?
- Art should inspire freedom and courage over fear.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who decides what is fit for youth?
- Does art shape character?
Another view
Restricting art based on morality limits artistic freedom.
More from Plato
Can any man be courageous who has the fear of death in him?
Permalink to quote #26 A fit of laughter, which has been indulged to excess, almost always produces a violent reaction.
Permalink to quote #28 The gods are not magicians who transform themselves; neither do they deceive mankind in any way.
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