In the Republic, Plato argues that philosophers make the best kings because they can perceive the "Form of Justice." James Romm explains that Plato illustrates this through the Allegory of the Cave, where the philosopher must return from the light of the

In the Republic, Plato argues that philosophers make the best kings because they can perceive the "Form of Justice." James Romm explains that Plato illustrates this through the Allegory of the Cave, where the philosopher must return from the light of the sun to lead those in darkness. The work concludes with the Myth of Er, a soaring account of the soul's thousand-year journey and reincarnation. Souls choose their next lives based on previous experiences; notably, Odysseus chooses the life of an ordinary man. Plato suggests that education allows the mind to recover subconscious memories of these eternal truths. (7/8)
1889 THE SYMPOSIUM OF PLATO