What is the Noble Lie?

In Republic I, Socrates stated that sometimes it is better to put in some lies for the good of the city or the sake of the well being and healthiness of the city. This in here, in order to make sure the citizens of the exemplified, erected Republic city will accept their duties, obey, and keep following the right path, Socrates said the “Noble Lie”. The Noble Lie was taken from the Phoenicians and it goes like this: People are made under earth, once ready to go to the world, they all come up to Earth. Gold, Silver, Bronze or Iron are embedded within each soul with specified position. If a person has Gold or Silver in the soul, he is bound to be a ruler or auxiliary/warrior, and if other metal, to be of producing class. The offspring can have any metal in the soul, so there exist equal chances in the just city.

By: Kaung