Plato was born in Athens, Greece, around the years 428 or 427 BC. His real name was Aristocles. It was a wealthy aristocratic family. Besides, his father, Ariston, was a descendant of Codrus, one of the kings of Athens.
From early childhood, Plato received the best possible education. Further, when he was 20 years old, he met Socrates. Plato was a loyal student to him for the next eight years. The execution of Socrates left him disgusted with politics. Hence, he then left Athens and traveled to Egypt, Sicily, and Italy.
During his travels, he met with many scholars from various fields. Further, he returned to Athens when he was about 40. In the area of Academus, Plato founded a philosophical school. Conveniently, he called it The Academy. It was one of the most famous schools with many bright students attending it. Aristotle was only one of them.
✟ 348/347 BC, Athens, Ancient Greece
Plato’s work
His work is usually in the form of a dialogue. Plato wrote over 30 of them in three distinct periods. The first period is under the direct influence of Socrates. Further, the most famous work from this time is the Apology. The Apology is a legal defense of Socrates, who was on trial for spoiling the youth.
Ideals and positivity define the middle period. Besides, Plato’s most famous work in the field of politics is from the period. In The Republic, he talks of justice and an ideal government. Additionally, he condemns democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny. The head of state or government should be the wisest scholar in the state.
To some extent, Plato sobered up in the last period. He withdraws from some of his previous ideals of the second period. His final and longest work is Laws.
Plato is one of the most significant philosophers in human history. His work is a source of inspiration even after more than 2000 years. He died at the age of 80 in 348 or 347 in Athens.
