“Our object in the construction of the state is the greatest happiness of the whole, and not that of any one class.”
- 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.
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Quote
“Our object in the construction of the state is the greatest happiness of the whole, and not that of any one class.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato asserts that the primary goal in forming a just state is to ensure the overall well-being and happiness of the entire society, not just the interests of one particular group or class. For Plato, a just state is one where every individual, regardless of their class or role, contributes to and benefits from the collective good. The idea of the greatest happiness of the whole means that the state’s policies, laws, and systems should be designed to benefit society as a whole, ensuring that no single class—whether rulers, warriors, or producers—gains at the expense of others.
This concept ties into Plato’s vision of a well-ordered society, as outlined in *The Republic*. Plato divides society into three classes: rulers (philosophers), warriors (defenders), and producers (farmers, artisans, merchants). Each class has a specific role, and justice is achieved when each part of the state performs its role according to its nature, contributing to the harmonious functioning of the whole. Plato argues that the happiness of the state comes when all classes work together in alignment with their roles, with the rulers making decisions for the benefit of everyone, rather than just their own class.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the idea of social justice and the collective good. It calls for policies and governance systems that prioritize the well-being of all citizens, rather than favoring one group over another. Plato’s message encourages us to think about the common good and the shared responsibilities of all members of society in achieving overall prosperity, happiness, and fairness. It highlights that a just society is one where every individual’s well-being is considered in relation to the well-being of others, and where no one class or group is allowed to dominate or exploit others for personal gain.
