The Republic · Chapter
Book III explained
Socrates continues the discussion on the education of the guardians, focusing on the censorship of poetry and stories to instill the right virtues.
What happens
Socrates continues the discussion on the education of the guardians, focusing on the censorship of poetry and stories to instill the right virtues. He argues for removing passages that depict the underworld as fearful, show heroes or gods lamenting excessively, or portray the gods as frivolous or deceitful. The aim is to make the guardians fearless of death, courageous, temperate, and truthful. The book concludes with the proposal of a communist lifestyle for the guardians, forbidding them private property, especially gold and silver, to ensure their loyalty to the state.
Themes in this chapter
Education and Enlightenment
The entire chapter details the rigorous, censored curriculum designed to shape the character and virtues of the guardian class from youth.
The Ideal State (Kallipolis)
Specific social and economic regulations (communism of property) for the guardians are established to preserve the stability and justice of the city.
Art and Imitation (Mimesis)
Explicit critique and censorship of poetic imitations that misrepresent gods and heroes, arguing these false models harm the citizens' souls.
Characters to notice
- Socrates
Leads the argument, detailing the specific poetic passages to censor and outlining the principles for guardian education and lifestyle.
- Glaucon
The primary interlocutor, agreeing with Socrates's proposals and affirming the logical conclusions.
- Adeimantus
Addressed directly by Socrates regarding the dangers of unworthy representations of the gods influencing the youth.
Key passages
“‘I would rather be a serf on the land of a poor and portionless man than rule over all the dead who have come to nought.’”
Preferring a miserable life to an honorable death is a sentiment that must be censored.
Example of a passage that fosters an unhealthy fear of the afterlife.
“Then if any one at all is to have the privilege of lying, the rulers of the State should be the persons; and they, in their dealings either with enemies or with their own citizens, may be allowed to lie for the public good.”
Only the rulers may lie, and only for the benefit of the state.
Establishes the 'noble lie' as a tool of statecraft.
“Gold and silver we will tell them that they have from God; the diviner metal is within them, and they have therefore no need of the dross which is current among men...”
Guardians must be told their true wealth is spiritual; they are forbidden from owning private property or touching gold and silver.
Introduction of property communism for the guardian class to prevent corruption.