Recently, in two of my philosophy classes, we’ve been discussing Plato’s Republic. Since doing so, there has been one aspect of his argument that has remained stuck in my mind. 

In the discussion between Socrates and Glaucon, the two are trying to get down to the source of justice. Socrates believes there is an intrinsic benefit to being just. However, Glaucon—whom I agree with—feels that only the unjust man can get ahead in life, and the only reason we aren’t all unjust is out of fear of punishment. 

Glaucon gives the example of The Myth of Gyges Ring—a fascinating tale if I might say so myself. It speaks of a shepherd who came across a ring that gave him the power of invisibility. With this ability, he seduced the Queen, killed the King of Lydia, and took the throne. 

From this, Glaucon explains—that even the most just of men, if given such power, would do just as the unjust man would. Plato writes of what Glaucon says, that

it is to be thought that no one would be so steeled against temptation as to abide in the practice of justice, and resolutely to abstain from touching the property of his neighbors, when he had it in his power to help himself without fear to any thing he pleased in the market, or to go into private houses and have intercourse with whom he would, or to kill and release from prison according to his own pleasure, and in every thing else to act among men with the power of a god. (Book II, 360c) 

Although what he says is quite extreme, I agree with the message at hand—there is no person “just enough” who wouldn’t, under the right circumstances, commit an act of injustice. Do I agree that all would go as far as to steal, murder, etc.—no. But no one could tell me that in a dire situation—like a child dying—would a parent not change whatever computer information necessary to get their child, for example, a kidney. Whether this would mean the death of another’s kid is irrelevant to the matter at hand—they can save their own child, and no good parent could live with themselves if they didn’t do everything in their power for the health and well-being of their offspring. 

You may be saying to yourself—is this even unjust, considering the circumstances? And yes, it is—because every action has repercussions. Whether immediately or otherwise, or one which you could see or not—the reaction still occurs. 

But let me ask you this, what would you do with the ring? How far would you be willing to go? And be careful, because what you say will not only speak the truth about yourself—but society as a whole.