Breeding Quote by Plato
“That makes me think, my friend, as I have often done before, how natural it is that those who have spent a long time in the study of philosophy appear ridiculous when they enter the courts of law as speakers. Those who have knocked about in courts and the like from their youth up seem to me, when compared with those who have been brought up in philosophy and similar pursuits, to be as slaves in breeding compared with freemen.”
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: The Republic, Book VII, 380 BC
Philosophers seem absurd in courts, while lawyers appear free compared to scholars.
In simple terms: Philosophical training may seem impractical in law.
Key Takeaway
Bridge theory and practice.
Themes
philosophy
law
education
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legal practice
- academic teaching
- public policy
Key Concepts
Socratic method
legal rhetoric
practical wisdom
Questions to Reflect On
- How can philosophers contribute to law?
- What value does legal experience bring to philosophy?
A Different Perspective
Practical constraints can limit philosophical depth.
![“In practice people who study philosophy too long become very odd birds, not to say thoroughly vicious; while even those who are the best of them are reduced by...[philosophy] to complete uselessness as members of society.” quote by Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e19/plato-103_philosophy_in-practice-people-who-study-philosophy_1900170.jpg)
