The Republic Wisdom and Knowledge 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

"Now here, my dear Glaucon, is the whole risk for a human being, as it seems. And on this account each of us must, to the neglect of other studies, above all see to it that he is a seeker and student of that study by which he might be able to learn and find out who will give him the capacity and the knowledge to distinguish the good and the bad life..." (618b-c)

Relating the myth of Er, Socrates insists that wisdom and knowledge are the only things that will save you from choosing a terrible, unhappy life in the underworld. You wanted some high stakes? VoilĂ .