Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
To the rulers of the state then, if to any, it belongs of right to use falsehood, to deceive either enemies or their own citizens, for the good of the state: and no one else may meddle with this privilege.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Plato argues that rulers may justifiably use deceit for the greater good of the state, a privilege not allowed to others.
This quote by Plato discusses the concept that those in power, particularly rulers, may have the authority to use deception or falsehoods as a means to manipulate perceptions for the perceived benefit of society. It suggests a complex relationship between ethics and governance, raising questions about the moral implications of lying for the sake of state welfare and who has the right to wield such power.
Themes
DeceitPowerRulersStateEthicsFalsehood
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on political philosophy, the quote can be used to discuss moral dilemmas faced by leaders.
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.
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
I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag.
Molly IvinsRead
One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
SolomonRead
Compromise used to mean that half a loaf was better than no bread. Among modern statesmen it really seems to mean that half a loaf; is better than a whole loaf.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
I don't think there is any such thing as a black writer or a white writer. Ultimately, there is someone whom one reads.
Derek WalcottRead
The Christian truth is attractive and persuasive because it responds to humanity's deepest needs.
Pope FrancisRead
Disciples will not be weakened by suffering, worn down, and embittered until they are broken. Instead, they bear suffering, by the power of him who supports them. The disciples bear the suffering laid on them only by the power of him who bears all suffering on the cross. As bearers of suffering, they stand in communion with the Crucified.
Dietrich BonhoefferRead