Ifs Quote by Plato
“Again, truth should be highly valued; if, as we were saying, a lie is useless to the gods, and useful only as a medicine to men, then the use of such medicines should be restricted to physicians; private individuals have no business with them.”
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Republic, Book III, Plato, 380 BC
Truth is essential; lies may help humans like medicine but must be limited to experts, not ordinary people.
In simple terms: Truth matters; lies are like medicine for people.
Key Takeaway
Reserve truth for experts, not laypeople.
Themes
ethics
knowledge
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- law
- medicine
- media
- education
- public policy
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Who should decide when deception is permissible?
- How does expertise affect truth‑telling?
A Different Perspective
Truth alone cannot solve all problems; expertise is needed.
![“What harm would it do, if a man told a good strong lie for the sake of the good and for the Christian church? [...] a lie out of necessity, a useful lie, a helpful lie, such lies would not be against God, he would accept them.” quote by Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fe2/martin-luther-106_accepting_what-harm-would-it-do-if-a-man-told-a-go_2919130.jpg)
