“The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” — Plato
Through his words, the notable Greek philosopher signals that when people stop caring about what is happening around them, ‘the public affairs’ — when they disengage, stay silent, or choose not to participate — they create a vacuum.
And that void rarely stays empty for long. It gets filled by those who are often the most ambitious, self-serving, or what Plato describes as “evil men.”
What do Plato’s words mean?
At its core, Plato’s quote is a powerful line that highlights the essence of democracy.
Broadly, “apathy towards public affairs” refers to not questioning leaders, how systems work, not staying informed, or simply not caring about how policies are implemented — which in turn creates a ripple effect in the society.
Plato argues that this indifference comes at a cost: you give up your say in how you are governed.
Put simply, when responsible and engaged citizens take a step back – “evil men” – who may not have the public’s best interests in mind, take charge.
Why is it relevant today?
In a democracy, power lies with the people – but a democracy only functions when people use it.
When people decide to skip voting, decisions end up being made by a small section of the society. When citizens stop questioning those in power, accountability begins to slip. And, when misinformation spreads – truth and facts take a backseat.
In a time, when information is just a click away – so are the chances of the spread of misinformation. And Plato’s warning feels more relevant than ever.
More about Plato
Plato was a philosopher from Ancient Greece who lived from around 427 BCE to about 347 BCE. His works laid the foundation for the study of philosophy.
Widely considered the most influential philosopher of all time, Plato is best known for writing a series of dialogues featuring his teacher, Socrates (c. 469-399 BCE).
Historical accounts state that Plato was born into one of the most prominent families in Athens. As a young man, he became deeply fascinated by Socrates — a man who spent his days in public spaces questioning people and engaging them in debate.
Plato was captivated by the way Socrates could challenge even the most confident and powerful individuals, often leaving them puzzled and rethinking their beliefs. Drawn to his sharp mind and unconventional approach, Plato eventually became his student.
