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nydus/The Republic of PlatoPublic
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Table of Contents

BOOK I

the inference.

Then justice is not good for much. But let us consider this further point: Is not he who can best strike a blow in a boxing match or in any kind of fighting best able to ward off a blow?

Certainly.

And he who is most skilful in preventing or escaping2 from a disease is best able to create one?

True.

A new point of view: Is not he who is best able to do good best able to do evil? And he is the best guard of a camp who is best able to steal a march upon the enemy?

Certainly.

Then he who is a good keeper of anything is also a good thief?

That, I suppose, is to be inferred.

Then if the just man is good

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