The Dialogues of Plato contain a selection of his most influential writings, that have stirred men through the ages.
The Republic is perhaps the first, and certainly the most influential, conception of utopia. It is difficult to say whether these words were spoken by Socrates or not; in any case, Socrates is the narrator and these words were put into Socrates’ mouth by Plato. Plato says that we are not all alike, that the differences in our nature are suited to performing different types of work. As a group we are more productive when a person does what is natural to him, and leaves other thing to other people. This diversity gives rise to the division of labor. And its products can be exchanged in the market-place. Plato says that besides food, clothes and shelter, people must have productive work to do. And as long as they (and their families) do not live beyond their means, they will not be poor. People want good health, peace and the ordinary comforts of life. This is the origin of the state. For he says that the state exists to fulfill the needs and wants of men. Plato says that soldiers are needed to defend the territory of the state. Plato says we must take care in the selection of our guardians; they must be dangerous to their enemies and gentle to their friends, or else they will destroy themselves. Plato says that a good
education is the best safeguard against that. Plato says that our citizens must be educated from childhood since this is the stage at which they are most impressionable, and at which character is formed. And the direction which education gives to a man determines his future. Plato says that in our education we must strive for harmony between body and soul. And we must learn to distinguish between virtue and vice. Plato says that shame and fear will keep us from doing what is wrong. Plato says that the best among our elders must rule; those who care for the greater good, those who are steadfast in the face of adversity, and those who help to maintain order. Plato says that philosophers must be kings, and kings philosophers. It is only the philosopher who can pilot the ship of state. He will not collect riches or honours that are not due to him. Plato says that the noble qualities subject the beast to the man, and the base qualities the man to the beast. A philosopher is a lover of truth above all, one whose greatest desire is the attainment of knowledge. Plato says that the state must be seen in its totality. And that the unity of the state must be maintained above all, for the state is an extended family. A common upbringing and common duties bind us together, whether at peace or at war. And when one part of the state is affected, all the other parts feel the hurt and the pain. Plato says that no man must be a slave to other men. And we must love our country as we love our city. Plato says that justice is both the cause and the effect of practicing self-control, courage and wisdom. Justice is done when a man does what is in his nature, and gets what is his due. Plato says that what is true of the individual is true of the state as well. As the individual seeks to harmonize desire with reason, so must the state. Plato says that we must strive for this ideal, though we may not attain it. Plato founded the academy – the first university in the western world, where he taught
philosophy. Wisdom in the rulers, courage in the warriors and self-control in the citizens, these are the virtues that he sought to instill. Plato believed that the salvation of the state lay in the right training of its future leaders. Plato believed that virtue is not a matter of habit alone; for philosophy will guide us in the choices we have to make.