When the tyrant has disposed for foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there is nothing to fear from them, then he is always stirring up some war or other, in order that the people may require a leader.

ὅταν δέ γε οἶμαι πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω ἐχθροὺς τοῖς μὲν καταλλαγῇ, τοὺς δὲ καὶ διαφθείρῃ, καὶ ἡσυχία ἐκείνων γένηται, πρῶτον μὲν πολέμους τινὰς ἀεὶ κινεῖ, ἵν᾽ ἐν χρείᾳ ἡγεμόνος ὁ δῆμος ᾖ.

Quoted in Republic, by Plato

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Original Citation

Socrates. Quoted in Πολιτεία [Republic], written by Plato. c. 375 BCE.

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Current Citation

Socrates. Quoted in Republic, written by Plato, translated by Desmond Lee. Penguin Classics, 2007.

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Illustrated Quote

A quote by Socrates about tyrants: “When the tyrant has disposed for foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there…”

A quote by Socrates about tyrants: “When the tyrant has disposed for foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there…”

A quote by Socrates about tyrants: “When the tyrant has disposed for foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there…”