Plato, Simple Man

'But then if rhythm and mode follow language, as we said just now, and not the other way round, what is rhythmical must follow and imitate fine language, while what is not rhythmical follows the opposite. The same with harmony and discord.'


'Yes, rhythm and mode certainly should follow language,' he said.

'What about manner of speaking,' I asked, 'and what is actually said? Don't they follow from the nature of the speaker's soul?'

'Of course.'

'In that case, all these things - the right way of speaking, the right attunement, grace and rhythm - follow from a good nature. I don't mean the simplicity which is the polite name we give to stupidity, but the true intelligence which consists in a character which is rightly and properly constituted.' [400d-401a]

Plato's advocating for conditioning the people to live simple "static" lives and not rock the boat, so to speak, and it made me think of the lyrics of Simple Man, by Leonard Skynyrd. The "story" comes down as advice from his mother, which is what Plato is saying: we need to indoctrinate our young with the 'right' stories and advice, and the mom's advice is to live a simple life and be happy where you are and with who you are what you have."Take your time, don't live too fast. Troubles will come and they will pass. You'll find a woman and you'll find love. And don't forget, son, there is someone up above" "Forget your lust for the rich man's gold. All that you need is in your soul." This all sounds like advice that Plato wants to spread. This song speaks of a good natured and simple soul.