“This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.”
- 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
“This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato highlights the intimate connection between the character of a society’s citizens and the nature of the society itself. He suggests that the quality of a city—its morals, laws, and overall structure—is a reflection of the individual citizens that make it up. If the citizens are just, wise, and virtuous, the city will thrive in justice and harmony. Conversely, if the citizens are corrupt or unvirtuous, the city will reflect these failings in its institutions and laws. Plato’s view underscores the idea that society is not an external entity that exists independently of its people but rather a product of the collective actions, values, and behaviors of its members.
This statement aligns with Plato’s broader philosophical views on governance, as seen in his work *The Republic*, where he argues that the ideal state depends on the moral quality of its rulers and citizens. For Plato, a city’s success or failure is not determined by external forces or happenstance but by the virtue and wisdom of its people. Just as an individual’s character influences their actions, the collective character of a society shapes its political and social structures.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the idea that social problems and inequalities often reflect deeper issues within society, such as cultural values, education, and personal integrity. For example, political corruption or social unrest can often be traced back to a lack of civic responsibility or ethical leadership within the population. Plato’s words remind us that, as individuals, we are not merely subjects of society but also contributors to its structure and health. This idea calls for personal accountability and collective responsibility in creating a better society, where individuals cultivate virtues that, in turn, lead to a flourishing and just community.