Interesting facts about Plato

The man who established a higher learning institution for the first time in West was Plato. He was a great philosopher. He was also famous for establishing the Academy in ancient Athens. At present, he is also familiar to us as the teacher of Aristotle while he was under the studentship of Socrates. In fact, without his direct contribution, it would not have been possible to lay the foundation for Western philosophy. Plato is also considered as the foundational figure of mathematics, philosophy and science in the West. Plato also had an influence on Christianity. Plato is also remembered for the forms of dialogue and dialect in philosophy. His contributions to an improved philosophical thought are really praiseworthy.



The majority of us are aware of him but we do not have complete knowledge of this scholar. In his life, there were many interesting facts that less of the people are aware of. Some of the most noted interesting facts about Plato are described here.

Plato or Aristocles?

Plato had a broad shoulder and thus his name was changed to Plato. ‘Plato’ literally refers to ‘wide’ or ‘broad’. In fact, most of the people did not know about his real name. It was Aristocles.

Year of Birth Mystery

The exact Year of Birth (YoB) of this great philosopher is still a mystery. The exact year and place are unknown even today. There is a debate about his birthplace and date between the modern and classic historian.

Wrestler Plato

Generally, we believe the philosophers to be polite and calm. Plato was different than the conventional ideas of philosophers. He was a wrestler too in his youth.

The Academy

The Academy is considered the very first university in Europe. Plato established it in 388 B.C. It was the centre of excellence at that time. Renowned people came here to learn. Aristotle was one of them.

Student of Socrates

Plato was one of the most attentive students of Socrates. In fact, the philosophical thoughts of Plato were heavily influenced by the ideology of Socrates.

The Apology

It’s a tribute to Socrates from Plato. It deals with Socrates’ trial and statements on charges brought against him (Socrates). This is one of the great works of Plato.

Writer of Greece

Plato is also considered as a great writer of his age. He was one of the greatest writers and his writings contained logic to describe matters. He helped greatly to enrich the Greek literature.

Traveler

Plato used to travel in different lands and places. All of his travelling aimed at gaining knowledge and learn about the world. As a result, he had an enriched sense about almost everything. He learned astronomy, geometry, mathematics and other subjects.

Plato Dialogues

Between the age of 40 to 45, Plato wrote the dialogues. Some of the dialogues have become controversial. But he intended to understand the individual subjects and thus wrote the dialogues.

The Best Work

Plato has completed a substantial number of literary works and The Republic is the best one among them. The work discusses important matters such as ideas about virtue, government, courage, justice, wisdom etc.

Famous Quotes by Plato:

1. Necessity… the mother of invention.

2. Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.

3. The greatest wealth is to live content with little.

4. For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.

5. Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.