He who steals a little steals with the same wish as he who steals much, but with less power

He who steals a little steals with the same wish as he who steals much, but with less power

In Plato's philosophy, the idea that "he who steals a little steals with the same wish as he who steals much, but with less power" speaks to the inherent moral implications of theft and the underlying motivations that drive individuals to commit such acts. This concept can be found in Plato's dialogues, particularly in his discussions on justice, ethics, and the nature of the human soul.

Plato believed that all human actions are driven by desires, whether they be noble or base. In the case of theft, the desire for material gain or personal advantage is what motivates individuals to take what does not rightfully belong to them. According to Plato, this desire is a reflection of the individual's soul and their innermost wishes and intentions.

When Plato states that "he who steals a little steals with the same wish as he who steals much, but with less power," he is highlighting the fact that the underlying desire to steal is the same regardless of the scale of the theft. Whether someone steals a small amount or a large sum, the motivation behind the act remains unchanged. This suggests that the moral culpability of the thief is not determined by the magnitude of their theft, but rather by the purity or corruption of their intentions.

Furthermore, Plato's assertion that the thief who steals a little does so with "less power" can be interpreted in a couple of ways. On one hand, it could refer to the thief's lack of resources or ability to carry out a larger theft. However, it could also be understood as a commentary on the thief's lack of moral strength or integrity. In other words, the thief who steals a little may lack the moral fortitude to resist the temptation of theft, even on a smaller scale.

Overall, Plato's statement on theft serves as a reminder of the importance of examining one's intentions and desires in all actions. It challenges individuals to reflect on the true nature of their motivations and to strive for moral excellence in all aspects of their lives.