Bears Quote by Plato
“The principles are important. First, the interest of the state or society counts for everything, that of the individual for nothing. Second, the only difference between men and women is one of physical function- one begets, the other bears children. Apart from that, they both can and should perform the same functions - though men on a whole, perform them better and should receive the same education to enable them to do so; for in this way society will get the best value from both.”
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Republic, Book V, 380 BC
Society should value the state over individuals, assign roles by physical function, yet both genders can share duties, though men are deemed superior.
In simple terms: State interests trump individual, gender roles based on biology, men seen as superior.
Key Takeaway
Question gender assumptions in societal roles.
Themes
politics
gender
ethics
philosophy
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education reform
- gender equality debates
- ethical analysis
Key Concepts
natural law
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance individual rights with collective good?
- What evidence challenges the claim of male superiority?
A Different Perspective
Modern views reject biological determinism and gender hierarchy.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
