“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.”
- 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
“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato emphasizes that the most important and noble victory a person can achieve is not over external enemies or circumstances, but over their own desires, impulses, and emotions. To “conquer oneself” means to attain mastery over one’s inner world—particularly the appetitive (desires), spirited (emotions), and rational (intellect) aspects of the soul, ensuring that they are aligned in a harmonious and disciplined way. Plato views this self-mastery as the foundation of virtue, as it allows an individual to make wise decisions, act with integrity, and live a life of moral excellence. Such self-control is a necessary step for achieving personal fulfillment and contributing positively to society.
This idea ties into Plato’s concept of the just soul, where each part of the soul fulfills its proper role, and reason governs the other two aspects—desire and emotion. In *The Republic*, Plato argues that a just person is one who has achieved this balance within themselves, with reason as the ruler. For Plato, self-mastery is also essential for achieving wisdom, as it enables individuals to pursue knowledge and virtue without being distracted or led astray by base desires or unchecked emotions.
In modern terms, this quote resonates with the idea of self-discipline and emotional intelligence. Today, self-control is recognized as a key component of personal growth, success, and well-being. Whether it’s resisting unhealthy habits, managing stress, or making difficult but ethical decisions, the ability to conquer oneself remains central to achieving long-term happiness and contributing to the greater good. Plato’s message serves as a reminder that the path to true victory starts from within, urging us to cultivate inner strength and self-awareness as the foundation of a virtuous and meaningful life.
