The Republic Wisdom and Knowledge Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Stephanus pagination (the standardized way in which every text of Plato is divided). Every edition and translation will have this pagination in the margins.

Quote #4

“When knowledge of constructing houses came to be, didn't it differ from the other kinds of knowledge and was thus called house building?" (438d)

Even though Socrates is often speaking of wisdom in the abstract, sometimes he likes to use very basic, everyday examples to prove his point. In fact, for a philosopher, Socrates is surprisingly interested in pragmatic types of wisdom. You know, like house construction. Even that can be philosophical, in Socrates's view.

Quote #5

“Isn't it proper for the calculating part to rule, since it is wise and has forethought about all of the soul, and for the spirited part to be obedient to it and its ally?" (441e)

Championing wisdom yet again, Socrates makes it very clear that wisdom needs to be what guides us when we make decisions—not that excitable, spontaneous "spirited" part of us.

Quote #6

"...what is entirely, is entirely knowable; and what in no way is, is in every way unknowable." (477a)

If you weren't convinced that Socrates could get seriously abstract, here you go. Basically, he's communicating that wisdom and existence are interconnected ideas: if something exists, then it can be known.