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.”
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.
Recognize democracy’s flaws and work toward fair institutions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- voting reforms
- civic education
- policy debates
- community building
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance equality with order?
- What safeguards prevent partisan decay?
Ideal equality is hard to achieve in practice.