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Full Idea
Society originates because the individual is not self-sufficient, but has many needs which he cannot supply himself.
Gist of Idea
People need society because the individual has too many needs
Source
Plato (The Republic [c.374 BCE], 369b)
Book Ref
Plato: 'The Republic', ed/tr. Lee,Desmond [Penguin 1988], p.117
A Reaction
Notice that Plato has the liberal individualist approach to problem, of starting with isolated individuals, and asking why they need to gang together. This is despite the dependency of children, and the proximity of extended families.
Related Idea
Idea 19890 All exchanges in a community are for mutual benefit [Plato]