“Hardly any human being is capable of pursuing two professions or two arts rightly.”
- 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
“Hardly any human being is capable of pursuing two professions or two arts rightly.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato asserts that mastery of any profession or art requires focused dedication and specialization. The idea here is that it is very difficult, if not impossible, for one person to excel in two fields or to divide their attention between two different pursuits and still perform them with true skill and excellence. To do something well, whether it is a profession, craft, or art, requires a significant amount of time, effort, and attention. Plato suggests that trying to pursue multiple professions or skills at once often results in the dilution of one’s effort, preventing mastery and the achievement of true excellence.
This concept ties into Plato’s broader philosophy, particularly in his discussion of the division of labor in *The Republic*. Plato believes that society functions best when individuals focus on the roles they are best suited for. Just as a craftsman should focus on perfecting his craft and a ruler should dedicate himself to governing, individuals should specialize in one pursuit to achieve the highest level of proficiency. Plato’s idea is that specialization leads to both individual and societal prosperity, whereas trying to master multiple disciplines leads to mediocrity in all.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the value of focus and commitment in the pursuit of personal or professional excellence. While the modern world often encourages multitasking or diversifying skill sets, Plato’s perspective suggests that true success in any field requires singular dedication and the willingness to concentrate one’s efforts in one area. It also encourages individuals to find the area where they can truly excel and focus their energies there, rather than spreading themselves too thin and risking half-hearted results.
