“The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself; to be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile.”
- 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.
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Quote
“The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself; to be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato emphasizes the importance of self-mastery as the greatest form of victory. He suggests that conquering yourself—controlling your desires, emotions, and impulses—is essential for achieving true virtue and personal growth. To achieve greatness, one must first gain control over their inner world, rather than being enslaved by selfish desires or irrational urges. By mastering oneself, a person can align with higher ideals, act with wisdom, and make decisions that contribute to their own well-being and the good of others.
Plato contrasts this self-mastery with the opposite scenario, where a person is conquered by themselves—in other words, when they are controlled by their own weaknesses, flaws, or lack of discipline. This, Plato argues, is the most shameful and vile outcome, as it reflects a failure to live according to one’s true nature and higher ideals. To be ruled by one’s own impulses or lack of self-control is to live in a state of moral defeat, undermining one’s potential for virtue and a meaningful life.
This idea ties into Plato’s philosophy of the tripartite soul, where reason, spirit, and appetite must work in harmony, with reason governing the other parts to achieve a just and balanced life. The person who cannot control their appetites or desires is like a ruler who cannot govern their own kingdom, leading to chaos and moral degradation. In contrast, the person who conquers themselves—by making reason the leader of their life—achieves inner harmony and true freedom.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the idea of self-discipline, emotional intelligence, and personal development. Whether in relationships, career, or health, mastering oneself is often the key to long-term success and fulfillment. Plato’s message encourages us to focus on self-control and self-awareness as a foundation for living a virtuous and meaningful life, suggesting that only by conquering ourselves can we achieve the highest potential and avoid the shame of being led astray by our own weaknesses.
