“The blame is his who chooses: God is blameless.”
- 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
“The blame is his who chooses: God is blameless.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato emphasizes the idea of personal responsibility and free will. He suggests that individuals are accountable for the choices they make, and that God, or the divine, is blameless in human affairs. While God may provide the framework of the world and the conditions in which humans live, it is ultimately the individual who must decide how to act. If a person makes a poor choice or engages in wrongdoing, the responsibility for that choice lies with them, not with the divine.
This idea reflects Plato’s view of moral agency and the power of choice in shaping one’s character and fate. In *The Republic* and other dialogues, Plato argues that humans have the capacity to make rational and ethical decisions, but that these decisions are influenced by the soul’s alignment with virtue or vice. Virtuous individuals are those who make choices that align with the greater good, while those who make poor choices are responsible for their own moral failings.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the importance of accountability and personal responsibility in decision-making. It reminds us that we have the power to choose our actions, and that the consequences of those actions—whether good or bad—are ultimately ours to bear. While external forces or circumstances may influence our lives, we are still the ones who must decide how to respond and behave. Plato’s message encourages us to take ownership of our choices and to recognize the role of free will in shaping our character and moral destiny.
