“When men speak ill of thee, live so as nobody may believe them.”
- 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
“When men speak ill of thee, live so as nobody may believe them.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato advises that when others speak negatively or spread falsehoods about you, the best response is to live with integrity and virtue in such a way that these accusations are clearly untrue. By maintaining a life of honesty, moral behavior, and consistency, you can disarm those who seek to tarnish your reputation. The idea is that one’s actions and character should be so aligned with truth and goodness that even the harshest criticisms cannot alter the perception of others, because they are already familiar with your true nature. Plato emphasizes that living rightly is the most powerful way to protect yourself from the harm of slander, as it renders false accusations obvious to those who know you.
This idea connects to Plato’s broader belief in the importance of virtue and self-control. In *The Republic*, he argues that the good person does not need to worry about external judgments or negative opinions, because their moral character speaks for itself. When people are just, wise, and virtuous, their actions will naturally align with their values, and others will recognize their worth without needing to defend themselves against malicious talk.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the idea of personal integrity in the face of criticism or rumors. Whether in personal relationships, professional environments, or public life, maintaining a strong moral foundation and consistently acting with honor can help protect against slander and false accusations. Plato’s message reminds us that our character and actions should be so well-grounded in truth and virtue that they naturally counter any negative words or judgments from others.
