Not easy to read; the subject matter is not as dense as the English makes it out to be (most likely a translation issue. It's supposed to be a simple conversation in Greek).
The conclusions about a just and unjust life are interesting; and the way the conclusions are derived through pure logic is very satisfying (even if you might disagree, you cannot fault the logic). ( )

Required reading in Graduate Sshool. This classic has remained with me throughout my life. Highly recommended. Includes books 1-10.

FROM WIKIPEDIA: The Republic (Greek: Πολιτεία, translit. Politeia; Latin: De Republica[1]) is a Socratic dialogue, authored by Plato around 375 BCE, concerning justice (δικαιοσύνη), the order and character of the just city-state, and the just man.[2] It is Plato's best-known work, and one of the world's most influential works of philosophy and political theory, both intellectually and historically.[3][4]

In the dialogue, Socrates discusses the meaning of justice and whether the just man is happier than the unjust man with various Athenians and foreigners.[5] He considers the natures of existing regimes and then proposes a series of hypothetical cities in comparison, culminating in Kallipolis (Καλλίπολις), a utopian city-state ruled by a philosopher-king. They also discuss ageing, love, theory of forms, the immortality of the soul, and the role of the philosopher and of poetry in society.[6] The dialogue's setting seems to be the time of the Peloponnesian War.[7] ( )

Shut up Socrates

“The Most Important Book of all time”

Excluding religious manuscripts, this book is usually ranked as the most important book of all time due to its contribution to philosophy, politics, history, logic, communication and more. It is said that Plato did not have all the answers, but he sure asked all the questions.

The impressive logic found in the book jumps off the pages to become part of your own thought process and your own way of looking at the world. I have read it at least 5 times between paperback and audiobook and cannot get tired of it. It’s like going back to the roots and listening to a wise teacher that always finds the way to make you realize things that you didn’t see before.

A fascinating fact about this book is that it was first published in 375 B.C. and is still immensely relevant in society today. Its ideas are constantly debated across the world, from friend gatherings to the top universities, to heads of State.

To read this book, it is also important to be aware of its author: Plato. He lived during an era of intense philosophical progress in Greece. He is part of a very important and unique lineage of philosophers who’s thoughts have influenced virtually every branch of knowledge of the western civilization and is of immense historical importance. This lineage is made of: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

Plato was Socrates’ most famous disciple. There is no known written work from Socrates. Instead, his words and thoughts were immortalized by his disciples. Plato’s writings are dialogues in which Socrates is the protagonist.
Plato founded “The Academy” which is known to have been the world’s first University.
Aristotle joined the Academy and became Plato’s best student. He is credited with having invented Science. He was also the tutor of Alexander the Great
Rarely has it happened in any discipline throughout history, that there has been such a meaningful knowledge transfer from one genius mind to another throughout three generations in a teacher-student relationship.

The Republic is now part of the public domain, so you can get it for free with a simple google search, or you can purchase it on Amazon or at your preferred book store. ( )

This was required reading in a college class and it's impression on me is still felt today.

FROM SYNC: Narrator Leighton Pugh gives all the interlocutors in Plato’s most important dialogue their own voices. But only Socrates, who does almost all the talking, comes across as a full person: intelligent, moderate in temper, genial, accommodating to his fellows but someone who commands respect and attention. Pugh also distinguishes the minor characters adequately and switches among them skillfully. THE REPUBLIC deals with justice, politics, and education, among many topics, and includes the famous “Allegory of the Cave.” It can be complex, but Pugh’s fine voice, natural pacing, and thoughtful expressiveness help keep the meaning clear, and the nineteenth-century translation is both graceful and lucid. Pugh’s reading demonstrates that philosophy not only can be comprehensible in audio but also enjoyable. ( )