---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: So where it is a general rule that it is…"
description: "\"“So where it is a general rule that it is wrong to gratify lovers, this can be attributed to the defects of those who make that rule: the government's ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/plato-103_cowardice_so-where-it-is-a-general-rule-that-it-is_2248757.jpg"
---

#  So where it is a general rule that it is wrong to gratify…

![“So where it is a general rule that it is wrong to gratify lovers, this can be attributed to the defects of those who make that rule: the government's lust for rule and the subjects' cowardice” quote by Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/plato-103_cowardice_so-where-it-is-a-general-rule-that-it-is_2248757.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/plato-103_cowardice_so-where-it-is-a-general-rule-that-it-is_2248757.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c6/plato-103_cowardice_so-where-it-is-a-general-rule-that-it-is_2248757.jpg)

> ““So where it is a general rule that it is wrong to gratify lovers, this can be attributed to the defects of those who make that rule: the government's lust for rule and the subjects' cowardice””

[Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Rules against satisfying lovers stem from authoritarian control and collective cowardice, reflecting power dynamics rather than moral truth.

**In simple terms:** Restrictions on love reveal power and fear.

Key Takeaway

Question authority that limits love.

Themes

authority love freedom fear politics

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

- relationships
- government policy
- personal autonomy

Key Concepts

social control ethical relativism

Questions to Reflect On

- Who benefits from limiting love?
- How can courage challenge oppressive rules?

A Different Perspective

Not all restrictions are unjust; context matters.

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[Cowardice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cowardice/) [Defects](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defects/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Lovers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lovers/) [Lust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lust/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/)

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