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The Republic

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The Republic

By: Plato
Narrated by: Pat Bottino
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About this listen

 In this monumental work of moral and political philosophy, Plato sought to answer some of the world's most formidable questions: What does it mean to be good? What enables us to distinguish between right and wrong? How should human virtues be translated into a just society? Perhaps the greatest single treatise written on political philosophy, The Republic has strongly influenced Western thought concerning questions of justice, rule, obedience, and the good life.

This work is also undoubtedly the best introduction to Plato's philosophy in general. Not only does it contain his ideas on the state and man, but also his famous theory of forms, his theory of knowledge, and his views on the role of music and poetry in society.

Public Domain (P)1995 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Greek & Roman History Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Inspiring Ancient History Ancient Greece

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Most relevant  
The Republic is a tough read as it is. But a robotic narration with no intonation or any sign of interest isn't going to help anyone digest the material.

Good for insomnia.

A Dull approach to a seminal work of philosophy

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I combined this audiobook with the kindle version and read it alongside listening to the Great Courses lecture series (can’t remember the lecturer’s name) which is also available on Audible.
I really feel that I have solid understanding of Plato now, having first encountered his work through Karl Popper’s critique of him.
The Republic really is essential reading for anyone interested in political theory/philosophy. Throughout the book, it gradually dawned on me just how central Plato’s ideas are to the entire history of western thought.
Although the narrator’s voice was fine, the recording could have been better. With the editing techniques available now, there is no excuse for excessive ambient oral noise. It bothered me at times, but I imagine most people will be able to ignore it.

Worth the effort

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The reader talks in a pushy or agressive manner at the end of eash sentence, it becomes quite annoying listening it for few hours.

Reader hard to listen

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kinda lost me in the last 2 books but maybe I'll revisit it in a few years

very good listen

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Recall a time you sat in the pub with a friend putting the world to rights.
"I have done that often"
Now imagine your friend is a sycophant who never puts up any real challenge to even your most flimsy proposals.
"Sounds like a good friend, in awe of your intellect."
Now this friend just echoes back whatever you just said.
"You mean he just repeats what you say?"
Exactly. So you basically have to hear the same thing twice. Now imagine at the end of the evening you realise that you have been talking nonsense but think it was just an enjoyable evening frittered away with an agreeable friend. You thank goodness that your half-baked ideas were not scrutinised seriously, and you would never subject anyone else to what would be a tedious conversation.
"Sounds like a relaxing time, a one off human experience. Wisely forgotten."
Yes, but the pub landlord has been earwigging your whole conversation and sneaks off to write it all down, word for word (or at least what he can remember himself). Then publishes it once you are dead, claiming he was your best friend.
"Sounds like a unscrupulous fellow."
Quite. Now imagine there are only three books in the world library so your plagiarized conversation goes on to be a best seller.
Then imagine that school children are forced to read this drivel making it a touchstone for shared western culture.
"Sounds agonising, child abuse!"
Now imagine the best bits are made into movies. The Ring of Gyges - Lord of the Rings, and the shadows in the cave - The matrix. Despite you explicitly saying artistic imitation was a corrupting influence.
"Both very good movies, not a complete waste of time then. Though I think The Matrix owes more to the comic book The Invisibles."
Call yourself a friend - just agree with me blindly!

Beautifully read retelling of The Matrix

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