> well i thought the op was strange because plato rarely (if ever) mentions the word power and i don't think he ever attempts to define it either.  never trust a quote picture :^) > not sure what youre trying to say since wealth doesn't influence whether one is temperate or not; a frugal rich man could be as unjust as an intemperate poor man. my point was that situations and circumstances shine a light on a persons character. an action doesnt determine the quality of a person, but after several actions in different spheres a pattern emerges. as you say a frugal rich man could be inspired by selfish avarice, only looking to maximize his capital with no regard for justice. the person i had in mind though was a rational man living accord with reason, who understands the pointlessness of luxury. the tripartite soul: appetite, ambition and wisdom. three different ways for the soul to guide a man. only a man guided by wisdom could be considered truly just. but how can one tell who is truly just? by their actions. the more possible actions available to an individual (via wealth or political power) the the easier it would be to measure his intentions and if he truly guided by virtue and justice. anyway im just rambling.
Denmark