The parallels are kind of obvious, when one thinks about them: the similarities between Plato's utopia and the world of the series MLP: FIM, I mean. Both have a class-based hierarchy that (partly) determines the citizens' position in the society. Both are non-democratic societies (although one could make a case about the mayors' of Equestria as a sign of some democratic activity).
One could even make an analogy between the cutie marks and the myth of noble metals that Plato used: both serve an ideological function of pointing the individual's place in the society. I know that the cutie marks supposedly appear without any extrenal interventions, but how hard it would be to imagine Celestia just machinating that? In some alternative universe, of course.

Anyway, I can hardly be the only one who has come up with this analogy. But is there any truth to it? And who cares if that is the case? Propably nopony, put the point is to have a conversation about the political aspects of Equestria, not to accuse Celestia of practicing a totalitarian discourse.

Thoughts?

2078412 It's ironic that I can say nothing more than "I agree" on this matter, when Platonic dialogue for the pursuit of knowledge requires someone else ask questions and give answers.

2081215
A good point. Anyhow, I found out about this page that discusses the topic quite thoroughly. I don't know how many ponies here know about it already, but if you haven't heard about it, I recommend reading it (supposing that you're interested in such things).

http://www.overthinkingit.com/2012/11/08/my-little-pony-plato/

When I first read the Republic I remember sitting there one night, the stars outside as I read it by the candle light and having this revelation. I spent he next hour raving like a madman to myself about how it just made so much sense.
Then I found the above article and my brain imploded, not only was I right but somebody beat me to it!

2078412
It does seem like there might be some sort of divine intervention in determining cutie marks, since the variety and amount of each cutie mark seems to be in a perfect ratio. If cutie marks were purely random occurrences, then wouldn't it be likely that some career fields would have shortages of ponies while others would have massive surpluses?

4210457

If cutie marks were purely random occurrences, then wouldn't it be likely that some career fields would have shortages of ponies while others would have massive surpluses?

No? Random means there is no way to say whether some occurence is more likely to happen than another, or if such likeliness would occur in the first place. Or so would I think: abstract statistics aren't my forte really. Some combinations might indeed be more likely than others, just like seven is the most likely sum that two dice can give in any random toss.

Personally, I think it's Destiny that guides the cutie mark selection. Whether the Princesses have anything to do with it is another question, but I'd be hestitant to make such a deduction. It's whatever one prefers to think about their favourite Princess, I guess.

2078412

I prefer to think of Equestria as a parallel of Singapore, using Capitalist ideas to achieve socialist concepts, run by a benevolent dictator with no fear, no corruption, full freedom of speech, etc. "A meritocratic, elitist, Confucianist, bureaucratic state” to quote their own scholars.
The one real difference in my eyes is in cutie marks, which can indeed draw a direct parallel with Plato's "Noble Lie", as they install an aspect in each individual that Voltaire would refer to as "Idiot Savant". Everyone has a destiny, which they celebrate, as per Cute-ceañera's. Gained at a formative age, they never think to buck against it. To not have a destiny is something that you get bullied about, Quod Erat Demonstrandum, they want one, and are overjoyed to get it.
Whether there is a golden ratio guiding people into their occupations is an interesting thought. If it were decided by the princesses then it would certainly explain one or two of the mcguffins present in the series.

4217160 An impressive analysis, and the Pratchett crossover avatar crowns it nicely. But what exactly did you mean with the macguffin point?

4217411

The "convenience" of Destiny is what I mean. All the destined Element bearers being in the same town. One destined element bearer obtained her cutie mark, and in doing so incited all the others to gain their's as well. In keeping with the Pratchett line of thought, it is purest Narrativium, a world based on stories, with the Princess as the author. To quote the great man himself; "Dragons breathe fire not because they have asbestos lungs, but because that is what dragons do. Heroes only win when outnumbered, and things which have a one-in-a-million chance of succeeding often do so.". Narrative Causality.

P.S. Thanks for the compliment, and doubly thank you for recognizing the crossover. Sir Terry's work is very dear to me.

4217527 Agreed: Prattchet's the real storysmith. Losing him was a terrible blow for fantasy fans everywhere.