Review of 'Republic' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
A few Greeks riffing on justice, shadowy caves, and government while drawing up their ideal city. There are quality roasts like "Tell me, Socrates, do you still have a wet nurse?”. There are humble admissions like "But I am afraid that, if I slip from the truth, just where it’s most important not to, I’ll not only fall myself but drag my friends down as well”. As you do with the boys. It was a slow read for me, but the writing feels very natural in the Grube/Reeve edition. The overview discussion before each of the 10 books is incredibly helpful.
This is a foundational read that'll give you something different every time. It’s my second go at it, and even after reading it for a class and having those past notes, I’m sure to have still missed important takeaways. There are less engaging parts, like which instruments, and what …
A few Greeks riffing on justice, shadowy caves, and government while drawing up their ideal city. There are quality roasts like "Tell me, Socrates, do you still have a wet nurse?”. There are humble admissions like "But I am afraid that, if I slip from the truth, just where it’s most important not to, I’ll not only fall myself but drag my friends down as well”. As you do with the boys. It was a slow read for me, but the writing feels very natural in the Grube/Reeve edition. The overview discussion before each of the 10 books is incredibly helpful.
This is a foundational read that'll give you something different every time. It’s my second go at it, and even after reading it for a class and having those past notes, I’m sure to have still missed important takeaways. There are less engaging parts, like which instruments, and what limits to their pederasty, will be allowed into their city. But this historic work is still relevant and studied today. Socrates’ discussion on tyranny evolving out of democracy hit way too close to home.
