“A state arises, as I conceive, out of the needs of mankind; no one is self-sufficing, but all of us have many wants.”
- 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 state arises, as I conceive, out of the needs of mankind; no one is self-sufficing, but all of us have many wants.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato asserts that the state (or society) emerges because of the interdependence of human beings. Humans, by nature, are not self-sufficient; they have many needs and desires that cannot be fulfilled in isolation. As a result, people come together to form communities where they can support one another and cooperate to satisfy these needs. Plato’s view is that the state is a natural development, created out of the necessity for mutual assistance and specialization. Each individual possesses unique skills or resources, and by working together in an organized society, they can achieve what would be impossible alone. The state, in Plato’s vision, is a response to human vulnerability and the need for collaboration to address basic survival needs, as well as higher aspirations like justice, wisdom, and the common good.
This idea aligns with Plato’s view of the division of labor in the ideal state, where each person has a specific role or function based on their natural abilities and talents. In *The Republic*, Plato divides society into three classes: rulers (philosophers), warriors (defenders), and producers (farmers, artisans, etc.). Each class has distinct responsibilities, but all are necessary for the functioning of a just and harmonious state. Plato emphasizes that no individual is capable of meeting all their needs on their own, and society functions best when people recognize their dependence on one another and contribute to the common good.
In modern contexts, this quote highlights the social contract and the interconnectedness of people in society. Today, we see the state as a response to shared needs, from economic needs to social services, healthcare, education, and beyond. Plato’s observation reminds us that humans are inherently social creatures, and the collective organization of society helps to meet both the basic needs of its members and the pursuit of higher ideals. It also speaks to the importance of collaboration and specialization in achieving prosperity and well-being for all.
