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The Republic Education 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 #1

"But how, exactly, will [the guardians of the city] be reared and educated by us?" (376c)

Socrates isn't only concerned with who will rule; he's also concerned with how those rulers will be educated. Socrates is implying that political ability is directly linked to a solid education.

Quote #2

"What is the education?... It is, of course, gymnastic for bodies and music for the soul." (376e)

Definitely not the most specific educational curriculum we've encountered, but it's a start. Socrates really does care about the mind-body connection.

Quote #3

"Do we watch [potential guardians] straight from childhood by setting them at tasks in which a man would most likely forget and be deceived out of such a conviction?" (413c)

Socrates is describing an unorthodox aspect of the guardians' education: not only do they have a set curriculum, but their experience in school is also a kind of test. If these "tasks" end up making a potential guardian betray his convictions, well, he's not guardian material, after all.