Q0321
“Unless…either philosophers rule in the cities or those now called kings…philosophize genuinely…” — Plato (Republic V 473c–d)
Verified English quotation. Primary source: Republic V 473c–d. Theme: wisdom.
English
Unless…either philosophers rule in the cities or those now called kings…philosophize genuinely and adequately…
Source and attribution
The archive attributes this English wording to Republic V 473c–d 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
Unlike mere information, wisdom concerns judgment. Ancient schools linked it to virtue, moderation, and the right relation to desire. This passage enters that discussion through wisdom, politics.
Concepts in this quote
- Wisdom
- Wisdom is practical insight under uncertainty: knowing what matters, what one does not know, and how to act without false certainty.
- 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.). Unless…either philosophers rule in the cities or those now called kings…philosophize genuinely and adequately… In Philosophy Blind Box. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0321
MLA: Plato. “Unless…either philosophers rule in the cities or those….” Philosophy Blind Box, https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0321.
Chicago: Plato. “Unless…either philosophers rule in the cities or those….” Philosophy Blind Box. Accessed 2026. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0321.
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the quotation “Unless…either philosophers rule in the cities or those…”?
The passage is attributed to Plato, Republic V 473c–d. The archive attributes this English wording to Republic V 473c–d 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 wisdom?
Unlike mere information, wisdom concerns judgment. Ancient schools linked it to virtue, moderation, and the right relation to desire. This passage enters that discussion through wisdom, politics.