Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are. Plato's retelling of the discourses between Socrates and his friends on such subjects as love and desire, truth and illusion, spiritual transcendence and the qualities of a good ruler, profoundly affected the ways in which we view human relationships, society and leadership - and shaped the whole tradition of Western philosophy.
Plato
Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher and the founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. His most notable works include "The Republic," "Symposium," and "Phaedo." Plato's dialogues are written in the form of conversations between Socrates and other characters, exploring themes such as ethics, politics, and metaphysics.
Plato's influence on literature is profound, as his philosophical ideas have inspired countless writers and thinkers throughout history. His most famous work, "The Republic," is a seminal text in political philosophy and has had a lasting impact on the genre. Plato's literary style is characterized by its use of dialogue, dialectic, and allegory, making his works both engaging and thought-provoking.