The concept of the noble lie is used to maintain social order from "summary" of The Republic of Plato by Plato
In our ideal city, it is necessary for the rulers to engage in the practice of the noble lie. This practice involves the dissemination of a falsehood to the citizens, a falsehood that is meant to foster unity and social harmony. The noble lie serves as a tool for maintaining order and stability in the city, ensuring that each citizen plays their designated role without question or dissent. The noble lie, as described by Socrates, consists of a myth that is concocted by the rulers and then passed down to the citizens through education and storytelling. This myth asserts that all individuals in the city are born from the earth itself, with different metals infused into their souls by the gods. The gold-souled individuals are destined to rule, the silver-souled to protect, and the bronze and iron-souled to serve as craftsmen and farmers. By perpetuating this myth, the rulers are able to instill a sense of duty and loyalty in the citizens, convincing them that their social position is predetermined by divine will. This belief in a cosmic hierarc...Similar Posts
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