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But ought we to attempt to construct one? I said; for to do so,

as I am inclined to think, will be a very serious task. Reflect

therefore.

I have reflected, said Adeimantus, and am anxious that you should

proceed.

A State, I said, arises, as I conceive, out of the needs of

mankind; no one is self-sufficing, but all of us have many wants.

Can any other origin of a State be imagined?

There can be no other.

Then, as we have many wants, and many persons are needed to

supply them, one takes a helper for one purpose and another for

another; and when these partners and helpers are gathered

together in one habitation the body of inhabitants is termed a

State.

True, he said.

And they exchange with one another, and one gives, and another

receives, under the idea that the exchange will be for their

good.

Very true.

Then, I said, let us begin and create in idea a State; and yet

the true creator is necessity, who is the mother of our

invention.

Of course, he replied.