Single Idea 23561

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 4. Citizenship]

Full Idea

The power that consists in everyone's doing his own work rivals wisdom, moderation, and courage in its contribution to the virtue of the city.

Gist of Idea

People doing their jobs properly is the fourth cardinal virtue for a city

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 433d)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Complete Works', ed/tr. Cooper,John M. [Hackett 1997], p.1065


A Reaction

Making conscientious the fourth cardinal virtue. Well said! My maxim for the modern world is that nearly all human misery consists of either bad health or other people not doing their jobs properly. You know I'm right.

Related Idea

Idea 23562 If the parts of our soul do their correct work, we will be just people, and will act justly [Plato]