How we cite our quotes: Stephanus pagination (the standardized way in which every text of Plato is divided). Every edition and translation will have this pagination in the margins.
Quote #1
"For it is likely that if a city of good men came to be, there would be a fight over not ruling, just as there is now over ruling." (347d)
This is a classic statement of Socrates's attitude toward what it means to be a leader. Socrates believes that good leaders must be people who actually avoid leadership and only take it on if it's completely necessary, since those who actually want to be in leadership positions are necessarily non-philosophical (basically, bad) people. How do you think that compares with contemporary ideas about leadership?
Quote #2
Well then... a city, as I believe, comes into being because each of us isn't self-sufficient but is in need of much." (369a-b)
Socrates sees our dependency on one another as the reason why all cities must exist. Even though Socrates is generally pretty down on "the many," he does recognize the necessity of community.
Quote #3
"By Zeus... it's no mean thing we've taken upon ourselves. But nevertheless we mustn't be cowardly, as least as far as it's in our power." (374b-c)
As Socrates gets ready to imagine this city, he realizes he's got a big task ahead of him. Never mind ruling a city—inventing one is hard work, too. This makes us realize, too, how much we take for granted. We just go around our cities like it's nothing, but there's actually so much at work in the organization and maintenance of any city.