He who can properly define and divide is to be considered a god.

This quote by Plato speaks to the power of discernment and understanding, and the ability to discern and divide is seen as a divine quality. To ‘define’ is to understand the essence of something, to grasp its true nature and meaning. To ‘divide’ is to distinguish between different things, to separate them into their constituent parts, to recognize their individuality and uniqueness.

The quote underscores the importance of clarity of thought and precision of understanding. It suggests that the ability to discern, to define and divide, to see things as they truly are rather than as they appear to be, is a god-like attribute. This is because, in Plato’s view, only gods have the ability to see the true essence of things, unclouded by the illusions and distortions of the physical world.

In the context of today’s world, this quote could be applied to the importance of critical thinking and the ability to discern truth from falsehood. In an age where we are constantly bombarded with information and misinformation, the ability to define (understand clearly) and divide (distinguish between different things) is more important than ever.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as a call to cultivate discernment and understanding. It suggests that we should strive to see things as they truly are, to understand their true nature and essence, rather than being misled by appearances or preconceived notions. This could involve developing our critical thinking skills, learning to question and challenge our assumptions, and striving to see things from multiple perspectives.

In summary, this quote speaks to the power of discernment and understanding, and suggests that these are divine qualities that we should strive to cultivate. It underscores the importance of seeing things as they truly are, and suggests that this is a key aspect of wisdom and personal growth.