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By education I mean that training in excellence from youth upward which makes a man passionately desire to be a perfect citizen, and teaches him to rule, and to obey, with justice. This is the only education which deserves the name.
Plato
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Plato emphasizes the importance of education in shaping individuals to be just and responsible citizens.

In this quote, Plato underscores the significance of education not merely as a means of acquiring knowledge, but as a formative process that instills a desire for excellence and virtue in individuals. He argues that true education is one that nurtures a passion for justice and prepares individuals to take on the responsibilities of citizenship—both in ruling and obeying—thus contributing to the greater good of society.

Themes

EducationCitizenshipExcellenceJusticeTraining

In practice

Example use cases

During a graduation speech to emphasize the role of education in shaping aware citizens.

More from Plato

Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
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Not one of them who took up in his youth with this opinion that there are no gods ever continued until old age faithful to his conviction.
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...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
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Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
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Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
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Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
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