Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
That politician who curries favor with the citizens and indulges them and fawns upon them and has a presentiment of their wishes, and is skillful in gratifying them, he is esteemed a great statesman.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A politician is admired for pandering to the desires of the people.
In this quote, Plato critiques the nature of political leadership by suggesting that a politician who seeks to win the favor of the public through indulgence and flattery is often mistakenly viewed as a great leader. This highlights a fundamental tension between genuine statesmanship and the superficial popularity gained through appeasement.
Themes
PoliticsLeadershipPanderingStatesmanshipFavor
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to argue against superficially appealing politicians.
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.
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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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