“The highest reach of injustice is to be deemed just when you are not.”
- 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
“The highest reach of injustice is to be deemed just when you are not.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato highlights the ultimate form of injustice: being perceived as just when, in reality, you are not. This represents the idea that external appearances or reputations can sometimes overshadow the true nature of one’s actions or character. To be seen as just without actually being just is a form of deceit—an illusion of virtue—where one’s actions, or the way others perceive them, mislead others into thinking they are virtuous when, in fact, they are not. Plato suggests that such a situation is a perversion of justice, because it falsely elevates an individual while undermining the true nature of justice.
This concept is tied to Plato’s idea of true justice and authentic virtue. In *The Republic*, Plato explores how individuals and rulers can appear just on the surface, but if their actions are driven by self-interest or deception, they are not truly just. True justice, for Plato, is not about public perception but about aligning one’s soul with the principles of virtue and wisdom. The highest form of injustice, then, is not merely engaging in wrongful acts but doing so in a way that hides your true nature, misleading others into thinking you are something you are not.
In modern times, this idea resonates with the concept of moral hypocrisy—when individuals, groups, or even institutions pretend to uphold certain moral standards or values, while their actions suggest otherwise. For example, a person or organization that claims to be ethical but engages in corrupt or deceitful practices undermines the very principles they claim to represent. This quote serves as a warning about the danger of appearances, urging us to focus on cultivating authentic virtue rather than merely seeking to be seen as virtuous by others. It also speaks to the importance of integrity and self-awareness in personal and public life, where true justice is not about reputation or recognition, but about the alignment of actions with moral truth.
