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[690e] splendid as it was at that epoch. Was it not through ignorance of that most true saying of Hesiod1 that 'oftimes the half is greater than the whole'?”

Clinias
Most true, indeed.

Athenian
Is it our view, then, that this causes ruin when it is found in kings rather than when found in peoples?

1 Cp. Hes. WD 638 ff.; Rep. 466 C.: the meaning is that when “the whole” is excessive, the moderate “half” is preferable; this maxim being here applied to excesses of political power.

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    • Hesiod, Works and Days, 638
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