Body Quote by Plato
“Whence comes war and fighting, and factions? Whence but from the body and the lust of the body? Wars are occasioned by the love of money, and money has to be acquired for the same and service of the body.”
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Republic, Book III, 380 BC
Conflict arises from bodily desires and material greed, which drive people to fight for resources.
In simple terms: Desire for wealth and bodily needs cause war.
Address material greed to reduce conflict.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- economic policy
- personal self-control
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑material factors also fuel war?
- How can societies curb bodily lust for resources?
Ignoring deeper ideological or power dynamics may oversimplify causes.