The ruin of oligarchy is the ruin of democracy; the same disease magnified and intensified by liberty overmasters democracy–the truth being that the excessive increase of anything often causes a reaction in the opposite direction; and this is the case not only in the seasons and in vegetable and animal life, but above all in forms of government.
True.
The excess of liberty, whether in States or individuals, seems only to pass into excess of slavery.
Yes, the natural order.
And so tyranny naturally arises out of democracy, and the most aggravated form of tyranny and slavery out of the most extreme form of liberty?
As we might expect.

In this passage from The Republic, Socrates outlines the cyclical nature of political systems, emphasizing how democracy can evolve into tyranny. He argues that when liberty is taken to extremes, it paradoxically leads to a loss of freedom. The unchecked freedom in a democracy may degenerate into disorder, leading to the rise of a tyrant who promises stability. This tyrant, born from excessive liberty, enslaves the very people who once sought freedom. Socrates illustrates his broader philosophical point: that moderation is necessary, as extremes—whether in governance or personal conduct—tend to self-destruct. This dialogue underscores the fragility of democratic systems and the danger of allowing liberty to spiral into chaos, eventually giving rise to oppression.