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Is it not the excess and greed of this and the neglect of all other things that revolutionizes this constitution too and prepares the way for the necessity of a dictatorship?
Plato
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote warns about the dangers of greed and excess, suggesting that they might lead society to require a dictatorship for order.

In this quote, Plato reflects on how the overindulgence and avarice of individuals can disrupt the fabric of society, resulting in political upheaval. He cautions that such extremes create conditions where a dictatorial regime might emerge as a means of restoring control and stability, underscoring the importance of balance and moderation in both personal and societal conduct.

Themes

GreedExcessDictatorshipSocietyBalancePower

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on the impact of consumerism on democracy.

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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Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
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