Quotes and sayings from Plato

Plato, born around 428/427 BCE in Athens, Greece, was an ancient Greek philosopher. His influence on philosophy and thought remains profound, making him one of the major figures of Classical antiquity.
Here are some key points about Plato:
1. Early Life and Education:
o Plato was a student of the renowned philosopher Socrates and later became the teacher of Aristotle.
o He founded the Academy in Athens, which is considered the first institution of higher learning in the Western world.
2. Philosophical Contributions:
o Building on Socrates’ ideas, Plato introduced the concept of “forms” or “ideas”. These were abstract entities accessible to the mind, underlying the existence of the sensible world.
o Plato believed that the pursuit of knowledge and virtue leads to the good life. He emphasized harmony between reason, spirit, and appetite within the soul.
3. Notable Works:
o Plato authored numerous philosophical dialogues, including:
? “The Republic”: Discusses justice, governance, and the ideal state.
? “Phaedo”: Explores the immortality of the soul.
? “Symposium”: Examines love and beauty.
? “Timaeus”: Presents a cosmological account of the universe.