"A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men"
- Plato
About this Quote
Plato's quote highlights the rarity and significance of specific virtues within society, emphasizing the special challenges in cultivating a really accomplished individual.
The opening sector, "A hero is born amongst a hundred," recommends that heroes, while notable, are fairly more typical than the other types of figures Plato describes. Heroes frequently emerge due to extraordinary situations or possess innate qualities that permit them to stand out and carry out brave acts. Their presence is essential in times of need, providing hope and inspiration to others. However, their frequency, at least in Plato's assessment, recommends that heroism, while exceptional, is a more accessible quality compared to wisdom and achievement.
Carrying on to "a sensible man is discovered amongst a thousand," Plato explores the scarcity of real wisdom. Knowledge, unlike heroism, requires not simply inherent capability but also the growing of knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of the world. Plato positions a higher worth on wisdom due to its transformative nature and the introspection it requires. A wise individual can use assistance, insight, and options that go beyond instant, useful issues. This knowledge, steeped in philosophical inquiry and consideration, is more difficult to find, as it requires a life time of learning and reflection.
Finally, "an accomplished one may not be found even amongst a hundred thousand men" highlights the tremendous rarity and value of being genuinely accomplished. Accomplishment, in this sense, represents a perfect synthesis of heroism, wisdom, and maybe other virtues like dedication, imagination, and ethical stability. Such people are polymaths, having a breadth of understanding and a capability to master several domains. Plato suggests that few attain this level of excellence due to its demanding nature, requiring not only personal qualities but also opportunities, perseverance, and possibly even social assistance.
Overall, Plato's quote assesses the hierarchical nature of personal qualities and the profound nature of accomplishment, motivating society to worth, support, and strive for such uncommon success.
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