Those who intend on becoming great should love neither themselves nor their own things, but only what is just, whether it happens to be done by themselves or others.
Plato___
The idea of greatness is a concept that has fascinated individuals throughout history. Many people aspire to greatness, but what does it mean to be great? Is it simply a matter of achieving success and recognition, or is there something more to it? According to the philosopher Plato, those who intend on becoming great should love neither themselves nor their own things, but only what is just, whether it happens to be done by themselves or others.
Plato’s idea of greatness centers around the notion of justice. He believed that true greatness lies not in personal achievements or material possessions but in a person’s commitment to justice. To be great, one must be willing to put aside their own interests and desires and focus on what is fair and just for all.
This idea may seem idealistic or even impractical, but it is rooted in a fundamental truth. The pursuit of personal gain and success can often lead to selfishness and a disregard for the needs and well-being of others. When we focus only on ourselves, we become blind to the injustices and inequalities that exist in our society. We become detached from our communities and lose sight of our responsibilities to others.
In contrast, a commitment to justice requires a deep sense of empathy and compassion. It means recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every human being and working to create a world that is fair and just for all. This requires sacrifice and a willingness to put the needs of others before our own.
Moreover, Plato’s idea of greatness emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of others. We must not only seek justice for ourselves but also for those around us. This means acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of others, even if they are not our own. It means recognizing that the pursuit of justice is a collective effort and that we must work together to achieve a fair and just society.
In conclusion, Plato’s idea of greatness challenges us to rethink our notions of success and achievement. It reminds us that true greatness lies not in personal gain or recognition but in our commitment to justice. To become great, we must put aside our own interests and desires and focus on what is fair and just for all. We must recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every human being and work to create a world that is fair and just for everyone. By doing so, we can achieve true greatness and make a positive impact on the world around us.