The Republic is the central work of the Western world's most famous philosopher. Though on the surface a book that lays out Platos plans for a perfect society, The Republic is in fact an extended metaphor for human potential. The ideal state he imagines is characterised by wisdom, courage, self-discipline and justice, but the state can be seen as the qualities of an individual writ large. Just as the state should be a perfect blend of these qualities, so people should strive for a balance of them. In discussing the three parts of the soul, Plato shows how human beings are motivated and shaped by reason, spirit (strong emotions) and desire (for basic things like food and sex). A person becomes just or good by achieving a balance of these things. The balance is worthwhile in itself, as it delivers mental harmony, but it also creates good effects for the person and their community. Included is Platos famous parable of the prisoners in the cave who, chained with their face to a wall, only see shadows of people walking by, and believe that shadows are real. The parable conveys his idea that most people go through life believing in appearances, when beyond the superficial world of the senses is timeless and perfect truth (explained through his theory of forms). Philosophers can ascertain this truth (and he lays out a case for why they are uniquely equipped to be political rulers, as they can see the wood for the trees) but The Republic opens the way for everyone to live according to such eternal truths, instead of existing simply for survival or for pleasure.
