Until philosophers are kings, or the kings and princes of this world have the spirit and power of philosophy, and political greatness and wisdom meet in one, and those commoner natures who pursue either to the exclusion of the other are compelled to stand aside, cities will never have rest from their evils - no, nor the human race, as I believe - and then only will this our State have a possibility of life and behold the light of day.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Societies only thrive when political leaders possess genuine wisdom and philosophical insight.
- In plain terms
- Cities need wise leaders to stop problems and find peace.
- What can you take from it?
- Combine political power with deep wisdom for a good society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can leaders be both powerful and wise?
- Does philosophy help politics?
Another view
Practical experience may be more important than philosophical wisdom.
More from Plato
The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.
Permalink to quote #36 I have hardly ever known a mathematician who was capable of reasoning.
Permalink to quote #38 Wealth is the parent of luxury and indolence, and poverty of meanness and viciousness, and both of discontent.
Permalink to quote #35
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