Plato

Plato is the most influential philosopher of Western Civilization

- He mentored Aristotle
- Documented the wisdom of Socrates
- Is hailed by many as the father of Western Philosophy

Here are his 9 biggest insights on living a good life

1.) Question everything

Plato was famous for his Socratic Dialogues, which display Socrates' wisdom:

He questioned EVERYTHING

Socrates was considered the wisest because, “he knew that he knew nothing at all”

We’re called to do the same

Stay curious, and question everything

2.) Embrace death

In The Apology, Plato writes about Socrates’ trial

Socrates was found guilty and given a choice:

Stop teaching, or face the death penalty 

He chose death

Stating its better to die serving truth

Than to live betraying it

Don't live a lie, defend the Truth

3.) Pursue wisdom above all else

Plato writes that there are 3 types of men:

1. Lovers of gain

2. Lovers of honor

3. Lovers of wisdom

The wise, he writes, are the happiest of the 3

Wealth and honor can be taken away, but the Truth cannot

Seek wisdom with all your heart

4.) Beware the cave

Plato’s cave allegory is a metaphor for life:

- Life is a cave of shadows; we’re its prisoners

- The shadows are illusions – fame, fortune, etc.

- We’re conditioned to love shadows over Truth

But only the Truth can set us free

Deny the cave, seek the Truth

5.) Get Started

Any worthy ideal will intimidate you, and tempt you to procrastinate

Plato says get over it:

“The beginning is the most important part of the work”

Successful men aren’t born successful

They take action, fail, and persevere

Do the work, get started

6.) Find a mentor

Any truly great student has a great teacher:

- Aquinas learned from Aristotle

- Aristotle learned from Plato

- Plato learned from Socrates

Seek out someone who is generous, trustworthy, and wise, who can guide you to success

Invest in a mentor

7.) Cultivate reason

Plato uses a charioteer metaphor to describe your soul

It consists of 3 parts:

- Your reason (the driver)

- Your passions & appetite (the horses)

If the horses lead, you'll will crash

If the driver leads, all will be smooth

Use reason to lead your ways

8.) Learn what to fear

Courage, Plato writes, is learning, “what not to fear”

For example,

Socrates beat the fear of death not by removing fear,

But learning to fear betraying himself more than fearing death

Be courageous

Fear the right things

9.) Learn what to love

For Plato, education is training your desires:

“Education is teaching our children to desire the right things”

Simply stated – an educated mind is a loving heart

Love the good, and your life will be good