The Republic Philosophy Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Stephanus pagination (the standardized way in which every text of Plato is divided). Every edition and translation will have this pagination in the margins.

Quote #4

"Unless the philosophers rule as kings or those now called kings... adequately philosophize, and political power and philosophy coincide in the same place.... there is no rest from ills for the cities..." (473d)

Even though some people accuse philosophy of being a heady, impractical kind of discipline, Socrates is devoted to proving that philosophy is necessary for political power. (We're not surprised to hear that this means philosophers have some perks in Socrates's city.)

Quote #5

Won't we also then assert that the philosopher is a desirer of wisdom, not of one part and not another, but all of it?" (475b)

Socrates makes it clear that there are no short cuts or half measures for a true philosopher seeking wisdom. It's a full-time job, and it's serious business.

Quote #6

"But by far the greatest and most powerful slander comes to philosophy from those who claim to practice such things." (489d)

Even Socrates admits that it's sometimes philosophers themselves who give philosophy a bad rap. For Socrates, being a real philosopher means that you will behave in a way informed by philosophy. There are a lot of duds out there saying they're philosophers and acting in stupid ways, thereby giving philosophy a bad name.