Plato

Born in Athens around 428/427 BCE, Plato came from an aristocratic family and lived through a turbulent period in Greek history. Ancient sources and modern references agree that he became a devoted follower of Socrates, and the death of Socrates deeply shaped his philosophical outlook and writing.

Plato is best known for his dialogues, including works such as The Republic, Symposium, Phaedo, and Apology. In these writings he used conversation rather than formal treatises, asking big questions about truth, virtue, beauty, the soul, and how a just society should be organized.

He also founded the Academy in Athens, one of the most famous schools of the ancient world, where Aristotle later studied. Even when readers disagree with him, Plato remains one of the most influential authors in intellectual history because his books keep inviting people into argument, reflection, and wonder.