In simple terms, Plato's statement suggests that true love involves appreciating what is orderly and beautiful through a cultivated perspective rather than an instinctive or unrefined one. It implies that to understand and appreciate love fully, individuals must first develop their minds and refine their tastes.
Exploring the deeper meaning of this quote reveals several layers. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of education in understanding complex emotions like love. Plato believed that a well-educated person can discern true beauty and order, which are qualities associated with genuine love. This suggests that love should be cultivated through learning and reflection rather than purely emotional responses. Secondly, the concept of discipline highlights the need for self-control and reason in matters of the heart. This means that loving something or someone should not be based on fleeting passions but on a deeper understanding and appreciation of its inherent value. Lastly, this quote challenges the idea of romantic love as the sole form of genuine affection. Instead, it posits that true love can also manifest through an intellectual admiration for beauty and order in various aspects of life.
The quote is attributed to Plato, one of the most influential philosophers in Western history. Born around 428 BCE in Athens, Greece, Plato was a student of Socrates and later taught Aristotle. His works, often presented as dialogues between characters, explore fundamental questions about justice, beauty, love, and knowledge. Through his teachings and writings, Plato aimed to establish the foundations of philosophy and education, contributing significantly to Western thought and culture.
