Q0008
“Extreme freedom seems to change into nothing but extreme slavery.” — Plato (Republic VIII 564a)
Verified English quotation. Primary source: Republic VIII 564a. Theme: freedom.
English
Extreme freedom seems to change into nothing but extreme slavery.
Source and attribution
The archive attributes this English wording to Republic VIII 564a and files it under Platonism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
About Plato
Plato (c. 428/427–348/347 BCE) was an Athenian of high birth, a devoted associate of Socrates, and the founder of the Academy.
How to read this passage
Philosophers distinguish several ideas under the single word freedom. Negative freedom emphasizes non-interference; positive freedom emphasizes the capacity to act according to reasons, virtue, or authentic desire. This passage enters that discussion through freedom, politics.
Concepts in this quote
- Freedom
- Freedom is among the most searched and most contested themes in philosophy: what it is to choose, to be responsible, and to live without illegitimate constraint.
- Politics
- Politics appears in this archive as a live philosophical concern—not a slogan. These verified English passages show how thinkers treat politics as a problem of judgment, practice, or explanation.
How to cite this quotation
APA: Plato. (n.d.). Extreme freedom seems to change into nothing but extreme slavery. In Philosophy Blind Box. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0008
MLA: Plato. “Extreme freedom seems to change into nothing but….” Philosophy Blind Box, https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0008.
Chicago: Plato. “Extreme freedom seems to change into nothing but….” Philosophy Blind Box. Accessed 2026. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0008.
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the quotation “Extreme freedom seems to change into nothing but…”?
The passage is attributed to Plato, Republic VIII 564a. The archive attributes this English wording to Republic VIII 564a and files it under Platonism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
What does Plato mean by freedom?
Philosophers distinguish several ideas under the single word freedom. Negative freedom emphasizes non-interference; positive freedom emphasizes the capacity to act according to reasons, virtue, or authentic desire. This passage enters that discussion through freedom, politics.