Statesman
The Statesman, also known as the Politicus, is one of Plato's late dialogues and a sequel to the Sophist. Socrates is present but silent; the conversation is led by a visitor from Elea, who questions the young Socrates in search of a definition of the true statesman. The method of division is tried and found wanting, a strange myth tells of an age when the universe turned in reverse under the direct rule of the gods, and the art of weaving becomes the model for ruling a city by binding together opposed temperaments. The dialogue also ranks the forms of government and weighs the rule of law against the rule of wisdom. Benjamin Jowett's translation includes his introduction and analysis. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Statesman
Statesman by Plato can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Statesman online?
Yes. Statesman opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Statesman free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Statesman is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Statesman in the public domain?
Yes. Statesman by Plato is a public-domain work, here in the translation by Benjamin Jowett. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Statesman?
About 2 h 41 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Statesman?
Statesman by Plato is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
