“Hopes are the dreams of awake ...” It is interesting that Plato is the first philosopher whose works have survived to our time not only in the quoted passages, but also in full. Plato, whose utterances are full of wisdom and reason, was not in vain a disciple of Socrates.
Biography
It is difficult to name the exact date of birth of the ancient Greek philosopher, but researchers converge on the period 428-427 BC. e., just in the midst of the Peloponnesian war. It is believed that Plato, whose statements are quoted by the whole world, was born not on an ordinary day, but on the birthday of the god Apollo (according to mythology). Plato was born into an aristocratic family whose roots date back to the kings of Attica. Some late-antique scholars of philosophy wrote that the boy was conceived immaculately.
Kratil was his first teacher, but he soon became acquainted with Socrates, who became a key figure in Plato's worldview. Socrates is found in almost all the writings of the author, which are written in the form of a dialogue between real or fictional people. When his teacher died, the philosopher went on a journey. In Sicily, he tried to create an ideal state, ruled only by the sages, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Soon, Plato returned to Athens and founded a school - the Academy. According to legend, the thinker died on his birthday, and they buried him at the Academy. He is buried under the name Aristocles (“best glory”), which is supposedly his real name.
Artworks
What did Plato write about? The ancient Greek philosopher wrote many works that were combined into the Platonic Corps. The collection contains all the records that are associated with the name of the philosopher since antiquity. Plato himself was not involved in a special systematization of his works; Aristophanes of Byzantium and Thrasillus did this for him. The modern writings of the ancient Greek philosopher were adapted for readers by Henri Etienne, a 16th-century French philologist and Hellenist.
Ontology
Plato, whose statements are applicable to many spheres of life, was the founder and supporter of the idealistic trend. What does it mean? This means that a person can really exist only through ideas (eidos). Researchers have come to the conclusion that under ideas a philosopher means not only a concept, but also its purpose and reason for existence. He criticizes the theory of dualism of all things, saying that everything in the world is interconnected.
Plato devotes much attention to the idea of ​​a good that is not pleasure or usefulness, but is a good in essence. He likens this concept to the Sun, which is the highest knowable good.
Statements of Plato about the state
The idea of ​​the state is based on three main “pillars”: rulers, philosophers, soldiers and workers. The main idea is that the state should be stable. This can be achieved only when the people are governed by a council of wise philosophers, the territory of the state is protected from possible attacks by a strong army, and this is served by all ordinary people. Such a separation of duties, according to Plato, is the most rational and correct. Despite the fact that ideas are recognized as very worthy for their time, the philosopher still believes that the happiness of an individual does not play a big role for the happiness of the whole policy. And despite this, he writes: “Caring for the happiness of others, we find our own” and “How many slaves, so many enemies.”
What else is Plato famous for? The ancient Greek philosopher developed a model of the ideal system:
- 4 estates, which are divided according to property status;
- complex management system;
- money, personal property and the creation of families by people from different classes are allowed;
- strict state regulation of all spheres of society.
Statements of Plato about life
As mentioned earlier, the meaning of human life should consist in cognition. Moreover, it should not be concrete and practical, but more abstract, existing for itself. That is why the life of a philosopher is the highest good.
The thinker believes that a person’s life is dictated by his three principles: reason, rage and passion. The mind seeks knowledge and conscious activity. A furious beginning makes us overcome difficulties and achieve what we want. The passionate beginning is the most destructive for the soul, as it is manifested in endless lusts: “The development of cheerfulness largely depends on cheerful, but innocent games.”
Paying great attention to physical life, the philosopher also reflects on the soul. He gives 4 arguments in favor of the immortal soul of man. He believes that after death, our soul continues to exist in another dimension.
About a human
Plato’s famous statements about man very often relate to the soul - the eternal and the one. It is she who thirsts for knowledge, and “demands” it from a person: “A person is a wingless, two-legged creature with flat nails, which is susceptible to knowledge.” The philosopher recognizes the dualistic essence of the human soul, that is, two opposing principles. Moreover, it is the will of man that determines the “winner”. The most contemptible person who is mired in superstitions.
Summarizing this article, I want to say that many of Plato's statements are relevant to this day. For example, this: "A good start is already half the battle."
Indeed, sometimes a person should turn to his inner voice, and not rant about the fact that life is sulfur, dull and dreary. Plato, whose statements help to look at many things differently, believed that it is the will that determines the fate of man.