Skip to content

Our purpose in founding the city was not to make any one…

“Our purpose in founding the city was not to make any one class in it surpassingly happy, but to make the city as a whole as happyas possible.” quote by Socrates
Download Open image
“Our purpose in founding the city was not to make any one class in it surpassingly happy, but to make the city as a whole as happyas possible.”

Socrates

About This Quote

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

The aim of a city is collective happiness, not the extreme joy of any single class.

In simple terms: Focus on overall well‑being, not just one group.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize policies that benefit everyone.

Themes

justice collective welfare political philosophy

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • public policy
  • community development
  • social welfare programs

Key Concepts

Utilitarianism social contract common good

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we measure collective happiness?
  • What trade‑offs are acceptable for the common good?
A Different Perspective

Balancing diverse interests can be politically difficult.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Socrates

Explore all 579 Socrates quotes

More Cities quotes

Browse all 7,153 Cities quotes