The Republic Morality and Ethics Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Stephanus pagination (the standardized way in which every text of Plato is divided). Every edition and translation will have this pagination in the margins.

Quote #10

"For the contest is great, my dear Glaucon... greater than it seems—this contest that concerns becoming good or bad—so we mustn't be tempted by honor or money, or any ruling office, or, for that matter, poetry, into thinking that it's worthwhile to neglect justice and the rest of virtue." (608b)

Socrates dramatically describes the challenges and dangers he and the guys face on the way, almost as if they're explorers embarking on a great adventure. Temptation is everywhere, but they need to stick to their belief that justice and virtue are the only way to go.