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Now the worst part of the punishment is that he who refuses to rule is liable to be ruled by one who is worse than himself.

Plato

Source
Republic, Book 1, 347c, trans. Benjamin Jowett
Written
c. 375 BC

About this quotation

Socrates is explaining why good people take on office reluctantly, not for money or honour but out of fear of this punishment. The line is often shortened and reworded online as a warning about political apathy.

More from this author

The beginning is the most important part of any work, especially in the case of a young and tender thing; for that is the time at which the character is being formed and the desired impression is more readily taken.
PlatoRepublic, Book 2, 377a–b, trans. Benjamin Jowett
The unexamined life is not worth living.
PlatoApology, 38a, trans. Benjamin Jowett

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