“For the introduction of a new kind of music must be shunned as imperiling the whole state; since styles of music are never disturbed without affecting the most important political institutions.”
- 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 the introduction of a new kind of music must be shunned as imperiling the whole state; since styles of music are never disturbed without affecting the most important political institutions.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato highlights the profound social and political impact that changes in cultural expressions, such as music, can have on a society. He believes that the introduction of a new type of music or art is not just an artistic change, but a fundamental shift that can affect the moral fabric and stability of the state. Music, in Plato’s view, is not just an entertainment or aesthetic expression; it is deeply tied to the values, norms, and institutions of a society. Changes in the style or nature of music can influence the behavior and attitudes of the people, ultimately affecting the political structures and governance of the state.
This idea is part of Plato’s larger philosophical belief that culture and education are integral to the functioning of a just society. In *The Republic*, Plato discusses how the education of the youth—through music, stories, and other cultural forms—shapes their character and, by extension, the character of the state. If music or artistic forms shift in a way that promotes discord, chaos, or immorality, it can destabilize the state’s political institutions by altering the collective character and values of its citizens. Plato warns that even small cultural shifts can have far-reaching consequences, especially when it comes to art forms that influence the emotions and morals of the populace.
In modern contexts, this quote could be understood as a reflection on the cultural influence of music, art, and entertainment on society. While today we might not view changes in music as directly threatening to political institutions, Plato’s observation invites us to consider how shifts in cultural expressions, such as popular music, media, or art, can shape public values, attitudes, and even political movements. The quote serves as a reminder of the power of culture in shaping the collective consciousness of a society and, in turn, its political and social institutions.
