The regulations limiting the acquisition or possession of personal property are even more stringent, though here an absolute equality is not attempted. He seeks, however, to prevent the rise of inequality of fortunes, at the very threshold, by making undue acquisition difficult or even impossible for the citizens.
All money-making occupations are practically closed to them341—trade,342 the mechanical arts,343 and even agriculture, so far as their own personal work is concerned.
The latter is given over to slaves,344 the arts and trade to aliens, with strict limitations to be enforced by the officers of the market.345
As seen above, two-thirds of the farm products are not to be subject to commercial dealings.346
The loan of money at interest is forbidden, and he who disobeys will risk the loss of both principal and interest.347
A bulky coinage of baser metal is provided for the daily use of private citizens, such as will not pass current in another country.348
No dowries are to be given or received,349 and there shall be no hoarding, but the entire produce of the lots must be annually distributed for consumption among the whole population of the state.350
To make assurance doubly sure, Plato prohibits his citizens from owning personal property above four times the value of the lot,351 or four minas.352
Any amount in excess of this must be handed over to the state on pain of severe fine for disobedience.353
This is to be accomplished by the regulation that all property except the lot must be publicly registered, and failure to fulfil this obligation entails the loss of all but the original lot, and public disgrace.354