The Symposium by Plato is a philosophical exploration of love, featuring various speeches that delve into its many facets. The review highlights the multi-dimensional nature of love, from physical desire to the pursuit of wisdom, and praises Aristophanes' interpretation of love as the search for one's other half.
The Symposium by Plato is a profound philosophical essay that examines the various aspects of love. The review discusses how the book presents love through different perspectives, including the idea of love as a transaction for knowledge and wisdom, and the concept of Platonic love. The review particularly appreciates Aristophanes' myth about humans being split in half by Zeus, which remains a compelling interpretation of love even today. Socrates' focus on the ethereal and pure form of love, rather than physical attraction, is also highlighted as a significant contribution to the understanding of love. Overall, the review finds the book insightful and thought-provoking, offering timeless insights into the nature of love and wisdom.
Quick quotes
Aristophanes suggests that in the beginning of time there were twice the population on Earth - but Zeus got jealous (as always...) and cut everyone in half. Ever since that incident, people have been searching 'for their other half', so that they become whole again...
Indeed, says Socrates, love is a spirit that flows among us and leads to and derives from reproduction - be this human reproduction or reproduction of ideas, this notion of Beauty should be the central element in our lives.
Socrates is not interested in physical love -- and here is our introduction to Platonic love, a result (or not) of Socrates' teachings - he's more interested in the ethereal, in the pure form of love, not to be messed up with the 'romancing' of everyday life - the highest level of pursuit is the pursuit of wisdom...