THE REPUBLIC OF PLATO - Studyplace

34 CHAPTER IV lL 350
that justice implies superior character and intelligence, injustice a
deficiency in both respects, I went on:
Good; let us take that as settled. But we were also saying that
injustice was a source of strength. Do you remember, Thrasymachus
I do remember; only your last argument does not satisfy me,
and I could say a good deal about that. But if I did, you would
tell me I was haranguing you like a public meeting. So either
let me speak my mind at length, or else, if you want to ask questions,
ask them, and I will nod or shake my head, and say 'Hm'
as we do to encourage an old woman telling us a story.
No, please, said I; don't give your assent against your real
opinion.
Anything to please you, he rejoined, since you won't let me have
my say. What more do you want
Nothing. I replied. If that is what you mean to do, I will go on
with m} questions.
Go on, then.
Well, to continue where we left off. I will repeat my question:
What is the nature and quality of justice as compared with injustice
It was suggested, I believe, that injustice is the stronger
and more effective of the two; but now we have seen that justice
implies superior character and intelligence, it will not be hard to
show that it will also be superior in power to injustice, which
implies ignorance and stupidity; that must be obvious to anyone.
However, I would rather look deeper into this matter than take
it as settled off-hand. Would you agree that a state may be unjust
and may try to enslave other states or to hold a number of others
in subjection unjustly
Of course it may, he said; above all if it is the best sort of state,
which carries injustice to perfection.
I understand, said I; that was your view. But I am wondering
whether a state can do without justice when it is asserting its superior
power over another in that way.
Not if you are right, that justice implies intelligence; but if I am
right, injustice will be needed.