Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
Laws are partly formed for the sake of good men, in order to instruct them how they may live on friendly terms with one another, and partly for the sake of those who refuse to be instructed, whose spirit cannot be subdued, or softened, or hindered from plunging into evil.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Laws exist to guide good individuals and to restrain those who do not follow moral guidance.
This quote from Plato suggests that the purpose of laws is twofold: to educate and guide those who are inherently good in living harmoniously with one another, and to act as a deterrent against those who choose not to abide by moral standards. It underscores the dual role of legislation in society as both a tool for promoting virtue and a means of controlling vice.
Themes
LawsGood MenGuidanceMoralitySociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about legal reforms, one might quote Plato to highlight the dual purpose of laws.
More from Plato
All quotes →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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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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