Skip to content

Commonwealth Quote by Plato

“These, then, will be some of the features of democracy... it will be, in all likelihood, an agreeable, lawless, parti-colored commonwealth, dealing with all alike on a footing of equality, whether they be really equal or not.” quote by Plato
Download Open image
“These, then, will be some of the features of democracy... it will be, in all likelihood, an agreeable, lawless, parti-colored commonwealth, dealing with all alike on a footing of equality, whether they be really equal or not.”

Plato

About This Quote

Source Dialogue: Republic, Book I, Plato, c. 380 BC

Democracy may promise equality but often yields disorder and partisan bias, regardless of actual equality.

In simple terms: Democracy promises equality but can become chaotic and partisan.

Key Takeaway

Recognize democracy’s flaws and work toward fair institutions.

Themes

politics equality governance partisanship social order

Mood

critical reflective

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • voting reforms
  • civic education
  • policy debates
  • community building

Key Concepts

democratic theory social contract political realism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance equality with order?
  • What safeguards prevent partisan decay?
A Different Perspective

Ideal equality is hard to achieve in practice.

4.5 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Plato

Explore all 1,278 Plato quotes

More Commonwealth quotes

Browse all 251 Commonwealth quotes