QuoteProject
Mob rule and emasculation of the wise' and 'who will watch the guardians'?
Plato
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote addresses the dangers of mob mentality and the need for oversight of those in power.

In this quote, Plato warns of the consequences when the majority (the mob) overpower the wisdom of the few. He raises critical questions about who is responsible for monitoring and ensuring that the leaders, or guardians, of society act in the best interest of the public, highlighting the tension between populism and informed governance.

Themes

Mob RuleWisdomGovernancePowerOversight

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about leadership ethics, this quote can serve as a cautionary note against rash decisions driven by public opinion.

More from Plato

Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
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.
PlatoRead
...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
PlatoRead
Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
PlatoRead
Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
PlatoRead
Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
PlatoRead

Similar quotes

Every beginning is only a sequel, after all, and the book of events is always open halfway through.
Wislawa SzymborskaRead
Why are we so attached to the severities of the past? Why are we so proud of having endured our fathers and our mothers, the fireless days and the meatless days, the cold winters and the sharp tongues? It's not as if we had a choice.
Hilary MantelRead
Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves. What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of law enforcement it insists on.
Robert KennedyRead
Sometimes the shadow stays next to the Light. Sometimes it disappears into the Light
RumiRead
It is the indispensable duty of those, who maintain for themselves the rights of human nature, and who possess the obligations of Christianity, to extend their power and influence to the relief of every part of the human race from whatever burden or oppression they may unjustly labor under.
Benjamin BannekerRead
If you strive only to avoid the darkness or to cling to the light, you cannot live in balance. Try striving to be conscious of all that you are.
Gary ZukavRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.