Republic by Plato - Book Report/Review Example

Only a ruler who loves the people can best care for them and it is the people of the state who determine who is the best ruler. Similarly, the best farmers of the state must be best at their field, i.e. farming. The ruler of the state must be selected and appointed after being tested for their capability which makes him the complete guardian of the people and he will be able to guard his people against external enemies and internal threats. The ruler must be able to distinguish between people who can be useful to his people and threats to the peace of the state.

“The most terrible and shameful thing of all is for a shepherd to rear dogs as auxiliaries to help him with his flocks in such a way that, through licentiousness, hunger, or some other bad trait of character, they do evil to the sheep and become like wolves instead of dogs.” Therefore, Plato provides a very useful guideline to the rulers of the world to best serve the people of their authority. The author also extensively talks about the four important virtues of the state including courage, moderation, justice, etc.

In conclusion, Plato’s The Republic has been regarded as one of the most fundamental books in philosophy and political theory and the various topics discussed in the different sections of the book help the rulers to make an ideal state which best serves the citizens.