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The rulers of the state are the only persons who ought to have the privilege of lying, either at home or abroad; they may be allowed to lie for the good of the state.
Plato
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Plato suggests that only leaders can lie if it serves the greater good of the state.

In this quote, Plato argues that lying is a privilege reserved for rulers, who may need to deceive either domestically or internationally for the welfare of the state. This perspective raises ethical questions about the morality of truth and deception in leadership, suggesting that sometimes misleading the public may be justified if it leads to a beneficial outcome for society as a whole.

Themes

LyingLeadershipTruthStateMorality

In practice

Example use cases

During a political debate, one could use this quote to discuss the ethical dilemmas leaders face in times of crisis.

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