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He who is only an athlete is too crude, too vulgar, too…

“He who is only an athlete is too crude, too vulgar, too much a savage. He who is a scholar only is too soft, to effeminate. The ideal citizen is the scholar athlete, the man of thought and the man of action.” quote by Plato
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“He who is only an athlete is too crude, too vulgar, too much a savage. He who is a scholar only is too soft, to effeminate. The ideal citizen is the scholar athlete, the man of thought and the man of action.”

Plato

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Balance of mind and body creates the ideal citizen.

In simple terms: Both intellect and physical skill are essential.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate both scholarly and athletic abilities.

Themes

education athletics citizenship

Mood

inquisitive thoughtful

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • school curricula
  • community programs
  • personal training

Key Concepts

philosophy of virtue holistic development

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is a balanced life achievable today?
  • How can societies promote both?
A Different Perspective

Some view specialization as more practical.

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