“The rulers of the state are the only persons who ought to have the privilege of lying, either at home or abroad; they may be allowed to lie for the good of the state.”
- 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 rulers of the state are the only persons who ought to have the privilege of lying, either at home or abroad; they may be allowed to lie for the good of the state.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato suggests that those who govern—the rulers of the state—may, under certain circumstances, have the right to deceive or lie, but only for the greater good of the state or society. This concept aligns with his idea that leaders must sometimes act in ways that transcend personal or individual morality for the sake of the common good. Plato argues that rulers may need to lie to preserve social order, maintain harmony, or protect the people, particularly when the truth might cause chaos or harm. This idea reflects a more pragmatic approach to leadership, where the pursuit of justice and well-being for society may justify the use of deception in certain situations.
Plato’s notion of the “noble lie” is central to his vision of the ideal state, as outlined in *The Republic*. He believed that leaders, particularly philosopher-kings, must possess wisdom and integrity, but in certain circumstances, they may need to deceive the public for their own protection. For example, Plato suggested that rulers might lie about the origins of the citizens or the nature of their roles within society to ensure social stability and avoid strife. In his ideal society, a well-crafted lie could serve as a tool to promote unity and cooperation, helping the citizens to work together for the common good.
In modern contexts, this idea is often discussed in terms of political ethics and the question of whether leaders can ever justify deception or manipulation for the public good. For instance, governments sometimes withhold information or present misleading narratives in the interest of national security or to protect citizens from panic. However, this notion raises ethical concerns, as it can easily be abused for power or manipulation, and may undermine trust in leadership. Plato’s quote invites us to consider the moral limits of leadership and whether the ends ever justify the means when it comes to the truth in governance.
