Plato of Athens by Robin Waterfield

I started this book several months ago, stopping midway over the summer when we booked our trip to Austria for December.  Hence my focus on Austrian related books in the intervening months.

I deliberately decided to read biographies of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, rather than slog through detailed analyses of their philosophies.  As much as I admire their work, I am not and will never be able to fully understand them.

But these biographies have been terrific, giving me just enough context to grasp the value of their work.  For instance, Plato's dialogues (of which I have read a few in the past) don't just teach us how difficult (or impossible?) it is to truly know anything; they teach us to question and to think critically.

I was impressed to learn that Plato didn't see his role as pushing his particular brand of philosophy.  Even within his own Academy, students were allowed, perhaps encourage, to challenge his thinking and form their own philosophies.  For the goal was to create a society of thinkers, not a society that simply accepted unjustified beliefs.

It was also interesting to read of Plato's attempts to work with the Syracusan tyrant Dyonisius II, hoping to attract him to a life of true philosophy, perhaps even creating an actual philosopher-king that could serve as a model to the world.

Plato's inability to convert Dionysius proves the difficulty of becoming a true philosopher.  The adherent must make a full commitment that takes years to accomplish.

Anyhow, I've enjoyed this biography enough that I will take a stab at Plato's Republic with the assistance of LitCharts.  Stay tuned.