The Republic of Plato - With Studies for Teachers #261569

The conversation now turns from the question, how shall we appease the gods, to how shall we live. Is it a sufficient rule for the conduct of life to say Tell the truth and pay your debts? The authority of the poet Simonides is quoted in support of this maxim. The dis cussion is tedious and has been summarized in the text. The conclusion is that the maxim is unsatisfactory as a complete rule of life. The broader conclusion doubtless is, slavish obedience to a moral rule is not sufficient for the conduct of life. Formal morality is as powerless as formal religion to lead men to the right way of life.