Single Idea 19889

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / b. The natural life]

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.371 BCE], 369b)

Book Reference

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]