Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
Our object in the construction of the state is the greatest happiness of the whole, and not that of any one class.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The goal of government should be to promote the overall happiness of all its citizens, not just a select few.
In this quote, Plato emphasizes the fundamental purpose of a state's formation, which is to ensure the collective happiness and well-being of its entire population rather than favoring any particular group or class. This reflects the idea that a just and effective society must prioritize the common good above individual or elite interests.
Themes
HappinessStatePhilosophyGovernmentJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social welfare policies, a leader might say, 'As Plato indicated, our efforts must ensure the greatest happiness of all citizens, not just the privileged.'
More from Plato
All quotes βNot 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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...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
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Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
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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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