“The community which has neither poverty nor riches will always have the noblest principles.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
Quote
“The community which has neither poverty nor riches will always have the noblest principles.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato asserts that a balanced society, one that is neither excessively rich nor suffering from extreme poverty, will tend to uphold the noblest principles. By avoiding the extremes of wealth and poverty, such a community is able to focus on the common good, fairness, and justice. Plato believed that extreme wealth could lead to corruption and greed, while extreme poverty could foster desperation and discontent. When neither is present in excess, people are more likely to act based on virtue and reason, rather than being driven by self-interest or desperation. This balance allows for the cultivation of wisdom, moderation, and justice, which Plato viewed as essential for a flourishing society.
This idea is deeply embedded in Plato’s political philosophy, especially in *The Republic*, where he advocates for a society that is governed by wisdom and moderation, with rulers who are trained to seek the common good over personal gain. By removing the distractions and dangers of extreme wealth and poverty, the people are more likely to live in harmony, with an emphasis on virtue rather than materialism or survival.
In modern contexts, this quote is still relevant, particularly in discussions of social equality and economic justice. Societies with extreme economic disparities often face social unrest, corruption, and inequality, while those with greater economic balance tend to have more cohesive and stable communities. This can be seen in the Scandinavian model, where countries with relatively equal distribution of wealth often report higher levels of social well-being and civic engagement. Plato’s view suggests that a society with more economic equilibrium fosters a greater sense of civic responsibility and moral integrity, promoting the collective good over individual material pursuits.
