The Journey towards Greatness- Plato’s Inspirational Wisdom

The path towards greatness is a journey that many aspire to embark on. We all dream of creating a mark on the world and making a significant impact on the people around us. However, this journey can be difficult, and oftentimes we find ourselves confused and lost. Plato, the famous philosopher, offers a wise and insightful perspective on the characteristics and mindset that are required to become truly great.

The Story of Plato

Before we dive into Plato’s wisdom, it’s essential to understand who he was and what he stood for. Plato was a Greek philosopher who lived in the 4th century BCE. He was a student of Socrates and later became a teacher of Aristotle. Plato is known for his contributions to philosophy, especially in the areas of metaphysics, ethics, and politics. His works, such as The Republic and The Symposium, are still read and studied to this day.

The Wisdom of Plato

Plato believed that the key to greatness was to love neither yourself nor your belongings. Instead, one should focus on what is just and right, whether it’s done by themselves or others. Plato believed that self-love and attachment to possessions hindered our ability to achieve true greatness.

Plato’s wisdom may sound simple, but it’s incredibly profound. When we focus on doing what is right, we are no longer controlled by our egos and selfish desires. Instead, we are motivated by a desire to make the world a better place. This mindset helps us to overcome obstacles, work towards our goals, and achieve true greatness.

Examples of Plato’s Wisdom in Action

• Mahatma Gandhi was a firm believer in justice and equality. He fought against the oppressive British rule in India with peaceful methods, inspired by his love and respect for humanity.
• Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, risked her life to advocate for girls’ education in Pakistan. She has become a symbol of hope and courage for millions around the world.
• Martin Luther King Jr. led the civil rights movement in the United States with a focus on non-violent resistance. His speeches and actions inspired a generation to fight for equal rights and justice for all.

How to Apply Plato’s Wisdom in Your Life

Applying Plato’s wisdom takes practice and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. Here are some tips on how to start:

• Practice mindfulness- Train yourself to be more aware of your thoughts and actions. When you catch yourself doing something selfish or egotistic, take a step back and reevaluate your priorities.
• Cultivate empathy- Try to see the world from other people’s perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of their struggles. Learning to empathize with others will help you become more compassionate and less self-centered.
• Make justice a priority- Whenever you’re faced with a decision, ask yourself if it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes doing what is right might be difficult or challenging, but it’s essential to stay true to your values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming great requires a combination of selflessness, determination, and focus on doing what is just. Plato’s wisdom teaches us to let go of our attachment to ourselves and our belongings and focus on the greater good. By applying these principles in our lives, we can become better versions of ourselves and make a lasting positive impact on the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Greatness requires a focus on justice and selflessness.
• Letting go of attachment to oneself and possessions is essential to achieve true greatness.
• Cultivate empathy, practice mindfulness, and make justice a priority to apply Plato’s wisdom in your life.

“Those who intend on becoming great should love neither themselves nor their own things, but only what is just, whether it happens to be done by themselves or others.” – Plato