The Symposium - Plato: Annotated

De: Plato

Narrado por: Helpful Matthew

"Love is the desire for the perpetual possession of the good." These timeless words echo through the ages, inviting listeners to explore one of the most profound questions of human existence. What is love? Is it a mere passion of the body, or a divine force that elevates the soul? In The Symposium, Plato takes us to an ancient Athenian banquet where the finest minds of the classical world—philosophers, poets, and politicians—gather to unravel this enigma.

Set in the golden age of Athens, the dialogue unfolds as each guest delivers a speech in praise of love (eros), revealing a tapestry of perspectives that range from the playful to the profound. Phaedrus opens the conversation with the idea of love as the root of heroism and sacrifice, while Pausanias distinguishes between base physical attraction and noble affection born of the soul. Aristophanes, in one of the dialogue’s most famous moments, offers a mesmerizing myth about humanity’s lost unity, proclaiming that "each of us, when separated, is but the indenture of a man... and he is always looking for his other half." His tale speaks to the timeless yearning for connection and completion that lies at the heart of love.

As the night deepens, Socrates—Plato’s philosophical voice—takes center stage. Drawing on the wisdom of Diotima, a mysterious priestess, he reveals a vision of love as a ladder of ascent: from the physical beauty of individuals to the contemplation of the eternal and divine. Love, Socrates argues, is the driving force that propels us beyond ourselves, transforming desire into a pursuit of ultimate truth and goodness.

Yet, just as the discussion reaches its intellectual peak, Alcibiades, a brash and passionate figure, bursts into the room, offering a deeply personal testament to his infatuation with Socrates.

His speech shifts the dialogue into unexpected territory, illustrating how love often defies reason and exposes the vulnerability of the human heart.

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A Timeless Approach to Love

What struck me was just how applicable these old concepts are today. The discussions regarding love aren't merely cerebral—they're affective as well. From Aristophanes' myth to Socrates' ladder of ascent, every segment had substance. It's like layering your own ideas. I was amazed at how profoundly I resonated.

Socrates' Speech Changed Me

The section where Socrates speaks about divine love hit me hard. It’s not just a theory—it’s a map to understanding yourself. The idea of rising from physical attraction to pure truth was profound. This book made me question how I define love. I couldn’t stop thinking about it afterward.

An Intellectual Love Story

I like the way Plato structured love as a quest for truth and the divine. This is no run-of-the-mill romance — it's a journey of self-discovery via love. I feel intellectually enriched after each chapter.

Makes You Think Deeply

You won't simply hear — you'll stop, think, and even weep. This book unsettled me to my core regarding how I think about love and relationships. It's a work of philosophy, poetry, and psychology all rolled into one.

Feels Like You're at the Table

The delivery of the dialogue by Plato puts you there sitting at that Athenian dinner. Every voice is distinct, and their ideas are captivating. I felt like I was engaged in a living conversation. It's lively, smart, and richly human. An experience that will never be repeated.

More Than Just Philosophy

This is not academic dryness—it's an emotional, mental, and spiritual ride. The writing brought the ideas to life. I didn't just learn about love, I learned about ancient Greek culture and values. Every character contributes something new. It's layered and powerful.