Plato believed "a State comes into existence because no individual is self-sufficient" (Stumphf, 70). This theory of Plato's was also shared by Aristotle who said, "He who is unable to live in society or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must either be a beast or a god" (Stumphf, 103). These two views indicate the importance of a State to an individual according to Plato and Aristotle. All three philosophers believed that man would be much happier if he was part of a State rather than on his own. Socrates once stated "We are all more productive if we specialize in one thing rather than try to excel at many things" (Stumphf, 40). Within the State Socrates believed that there would be a division of labor for the provision of food, shelter and clothing. An individual living outside of a State would have to provide themselves with these necessities. As Socrates stated above within the State you would specialize in one thing only, while a different individual would specialize in something else and this would allow the quality and the quantity of the product to increase. "Plato assumes that we are all born with physical and intellectual equipment that makes us suited to perform some tasks better than others" (Rice, 42). So now individuals only have to specialize in something that they are physically and intellectually suited for according to Plato. These three philosophers believed that if man could be more productive by specializing in something that they are suited for they would be happier. Aristotle made the point that "Every community is established with the view to some good; and that mankind always act in order to obtain that which they think good" (Copleston, 351). .
Socrates, Plato and Aristotle all believed that man needs to be part of a State in order to live a truly good life. For Plato, who concerned himself with the truly good life for man, it was imperative to determine the true function of the State.
