“Then not only an old man, but also a drunkard, becomes a second time a child.”
- 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
“Then not only an old man, but also a drunkard, becomes a second time a child.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato draws a parallel between the old man and the drunkard, suggesting that both experience a form of regression to a more immature or dependent state. The old man, as he ages, may lose his physical strength, mental clarity, and independence, becoming more reliant on others, much like a child. Similarly, the drunkard, in a state of intoxication, loses control of his faculties, judgment, and behavior, acting in ways that are immature or irrational. In both cases, Plato points out that these individuals, whether due to age or the effects of alcohol, experience a temporary return to a state of dependency and weakness, resembling the helplessness and lack of reason typically associated with childhood.
This idea ties into Plato’s broader views on the importance of self-control, reason, and the balance of the soul. In his philosophy, both youth and old age can be seen as times when individuals are more vulnerable to irrational impulses, physical decline, or lack of wisdom. The drunkard, in his excess, loses the ability to reason and control himself, similarly to a child who has not yet developed the capacity for full self-control. Plato often warned against excessive behavior and the lack of moderation, as it leads to the loss of the rational and virtuous qualities that define a just and wise person.
In modern contexts, this quote can be understood as a commentary on the dangers of intoxication and the importance of self-mastery. Whether through substance abuse or other forms of excessive behavior, Plato’s message serves as a reminder that such behaviors can regress individuals to a state of dependency and irrationality, much like the vulnerabilities of childhood or old age. The quote encourages balance and reason as key virtues for maintaining dignity and self-control throughout life.
