“There’s a victory, and defeat; the first and best of victories, the lowest and worst of defeats which each man gains or sustains at the hands not of another, but of himself.”
- 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
“There’s a victory, and defeat; the first and best of victories, the lowest and worst of defeats which each man gains or sustains at the hands not of another, but of himself.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato highlights the profound impact that self-mastery has on a person’s success or failure. He suggests that the greatest victory is the ability to conquer oneself, mastering desires, emotions, and impulses. This victory is the highest form of success, as it leads to virtue, wisdom, and inner harmony. Conversely, the worst defeat occurs when a person is defeated by themselves, meaning they allow their own weaknesses, irrational impulses, or lack of self-control to dictate their actions, leading to failure and moral degradation.
Plato’s view here connects to his broader philosophy of the tripartite soul, where the rational, spirited, and appetitive parts of the soul must be in harmony, with reason ruling over the other aspects. A person who fails to control their appetites or emotions, letting them rule their actions, is defeated by themselves, whereas the individual who practices self-discipline and reason achieves virtue and true success.
In modern contexts, this quote underscores the importance of self-discipline and personal responsibility in achieving success. Whether in career, relationships, or personal growth, the greatest challenges we face are often internal, and overcoming them requires the ability to control ourselves. Plato’s message encourages us to reflect on how we manage our impulses, make decisions, and direct our actions, recognizing that the ability to govern ourselves is the key to achieving lasting success and inner peace.
