“No one ever teaches well who wants to teach, or governs well who wants to govern.”
- 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
“No one ever teaches well who wants to teach, or governs well who wants to govern.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato suggests that the desire to teach or govern for the sake of personal ambition or ego often undermines the ability to do either job well. According to Plato, the best teachers and rulers are those who are not motivated by personal desire for power or recognition, but by a sense of duty, wisdom, and a genuine desire to serve the greater good. The person who is deeply invested in teaching or governing because of personal interest is often distracted by self-serving goals, which can prevent them from focusing on what is truly best for the students or the state. In contrast, those who do not seek power but who are naturally suited for it, driven by the principles of justice and wisdom, will perform their roles most effectively.
This quote aligns with Plato’s views in *The Republic*, where he argues that the best rulers are philosophers—those who seek wisdom and truth, not power or fame. For Plato, philosophers are the ideal leaders because they are motivated by the pursuit of knowledge and the common good, rather than by personal ambition. Similarly, the best teachers are those who are motivated by a desire to cultivate wisdom and virtue in their students, not by the pursuit of status or recognition.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea of leadership and service. Whether in education, politics, or business, those in positions of power should be motivated by a genuine desire to help and serve others, rather than by self-interest. Leadership that is driven by ego or personal gain often leads to ineffectiveness, corruption, and inequality, whereas leadership based on a sense of duty, ethics, and wisdom leads to positive and sustainable outcomes. Plato’s quote calls us to reflect on our own motivations and to seek positions of responsibility only when we are driven by the desire to contribute to the greater good.
