“He who steals a little steals with the same wish as he who steals much, but with less power.”
- 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
“He who steals a little steals with the same wish as he who steals much, but with less power.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato argues that the desire to steal stems from the same flawed impulse, regardless of the amount being stolen. Both the person who steals a small amount and the person who steals a large amount are driven by the same greed or self-interest, but the difference between them lies in opportunity or ability—the person who steals more simply has greater power or means to act on that desire. Plato suggests that the moral failing in both cases is identical, and the difference between the two lies in the scale of their actions, not in the nature of their intentions.
This idea connects with Plato’s broader thoughts on justice and virtue in *The Republic*. Plato argues that true justice involves acting with honesty, wisdom, and a commitment to the common good, rather than being motivated by selfish desires. A small theft and a large theft both represent corruption of the soul, as both actions arise from a lack of virtue and the failure to prioritize the common good over personal gain. The desire to steal, whether small or large, stems from an inner moral weakness.
In modern contexts, this quote reflects the idea that small wrongdoings and large crimes are rooted in the same moral failings. Whether in business, government, or personal life, small dishonest acts are often driven by the same impulses as larger crimes, such as greed or self-interest. Plato’s message encourages us to examine our motives and actions, recognizing that the intention behind our actions is just as important as their magnitude. True virtue is shown by acting in a way that serves the common good and does not yield to selfish desires.
