The Republic
BOOK 1 It is established with a view to some good; for mankind always act in order to obtain that which they think good. But, if all communities aim at some good, the state or political community, which is the highest of all, and which embraces all the rest, aims at good in a greater degree than any other, and at the highest good. The family is the association established by nature for the supply of men's everyday wants. But when several families are united, and the association aims at something more than the supply of daily needs, the first society to be formed is the village. And the most natural form of the village appears to be that of a colony from the family, composed of the children ...
Want to read the rest of this paper? Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay and over 50,000 other term papers
|
developed, we call its nature, whether we are speaking of a man, a horse, or a family. Besides, the final cause and end of a thing is the best, and to be self-sufficing is the end and the best. Hence it is evident that the state is a creation of nature, and that man is by nature a political animal. And he who by nature and not by mere accident is without a state, is either a bad man or above humanity; he is like the Tribeless, lawless, hearthless one, whom Homer denounces -- the natural outcast is forthwith a lover of war; he may be compared to an isolated piece at draughts. Now, that man is more of a political animal than bees or any other gregarious animals is evident. Nature, as we often say, makes nothing in vain, and man is the only animal whom she has endowed with the gift of speech. And whereas mere voice is but an indication of pleasure or pain, and is therefore found in other animals, the power of speech is intended to set forth the expedient and inexpedient, and ...
Get instant access to over 50,000 essays. Write better papers. Get better grades.
Already a member? Login
|
law and justice, he is the worst of all; since armed injustice is the more dangerous, and he is equipped at birth with arms, meant to be used by intelligence and virtue, which he may use for the worst ends. Wherefore, if he have not virtue, he is the most unholy and the most savage of animals, and the most full of lust and gluttony. But justice is the bond of men in states, for the administration of justice, which is the determination of what is just, is the principle of order in political society.
Starts talking about slavery and inferiority.
But is there any one thus intended by nature to be a slave, and for whom such a condition is expedient and right, or rather is not all slavery ...
Succeed in your coursework without stepping into a library. Get access to a growing library of notes, book reports, and research papers in 2 minutes or less.
|
CITE THIS PAGE:
The Republic. (2005, October 7). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Republic/34446
"The Republic." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 7 Oct. 2005. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Republic/34446>
"The Republic." Essayworld.com. October 7, 2005. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Republic/34446.
"The Republic." Essayworld.com. October 7, 2005. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Republic/34446.
|