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[712a] whenever the greatest power coincides in man with wisdom and temperance, then the germ of the best polity is planted;1 but in no other way will it ever come about. Regard this as a myth oracularly uttered, and let us take it as proved that the rise of a well-governed State is in one way difficult, but in another way—given, that is, the condition we mention—it is easier by far and quicker than anything else.

Clinias
No doubt.

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    • Plato, Republic, 473d
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