“A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men.”
- 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
“A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato highlights the rarity of true accomplishment and the difference between heroism, wisdom, and accomplishment. A hero, according to Plato, is someone who exhibits courage and valor—qualities that may emerge in a significant proportion of people, but heroes are still exceptional figures. A wise man, someone with deep understanding, insight, and discernment, is even rarer, appearing in only one in a thousand. However, the accomplished person—someone who not only possesses wisdom but also combines it with practical mastery, virtue, and achievement across various aspects of life—is the rarest of all. This individual transcends heroism and wisdom to achieve excellence in all areas, and such a person may be so rare that even a hundred thousand men might not produce one.
This quote aligns with Plato’s broader philosophy, particularly in *The Republic*, where he speaks of the ideal ruler, the philosopher-king, who possesses not only wisdom but also the ability to act justly for the greater good. Such individuals are rare because they must combine intellect, virtue, and the ability to apply knowledge for the betterment of society. Plato believed that true accomplishment involves more than just theoretical wisdom; it requires the integration of knowledge and action, and the ability to live in alignment with the highest moral ideals.
In modern contexts, this quote can be seen as a reflection on the rarity of individuals who reach the pinnacle of both intellectual excellence and practical achievement. It encourages us to recognize that while many may achieve success in specific areas, true accomplishment—the combination of wisdom, skill, and virtue—is exceedingly rare. Plato’s message encourages us to strive not just for heroic feats or intellectual pursuits, but for the deeper accomplishment that comes from integrating wisdom with action in all aspects of life.
