the aging and grumpy Plato, in Book VII of the Laws, gave…
““the aging and grumpy Plato, in Book VII of the Laws, gave his definition of scientific illiteracy: Who is unable to count one, two, three, or to distinguish odd from even numbers, or is unable to count at all, or reckon night and day, and who is totally unacquainted with the revolution of the Sun and Moon, and the other stars … All freemen, I conceive, should learn as much of these branches of knowledge as every child in Egypt is taught when he learns the alphabet. In that country arithmetical games have been invented for the use of mere children, which they learn as pleasure and amusement … I … have late in life heard with amazement of our ignorance in these matters; to me we appear to be more like pigs than men, and I am quite ashamed, not only of myself, but of all Greeks.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote criticizes scientific illiteracy, urging everyone to learn basic arithmetic and astronomy, as foundational knowledge for a free society.
In simple terms: People should learn basic math and astronomy.
Key Takeaway
Educate yourself in fundamentals.
Themes
education
knowledge
citizenry
Mood
serious
concerned
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school curriculum
- adult education programs
- public lectures
- media campaigns
Key Concepts
scientific literacy
basic numeracy
astronomy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is basic scientific knowledge essential for citizenship?
- How can societies promote universal scientific literacy?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched cultural attitudes is challenging.