Plato Biography
(Greek Philosopher and Founder of Platonist School)
Birthday: May 21, 428 (Gemini)
Born In: Classical Athens, Greece
Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher who played an important role in the development of Western philosophy. As the scion of a rich and aristocratic family, he received good education under renowned teachers, including Socrates. Although initially he wanted to join politics, the execution of Socrates changed his mind and he left Athens for 12 years, visiting places around the Mediterranean Sea and studying under several teachers. It was during this period that he first started writing. That Plato was immensely influenced by Socrates is evident from his body of works created during this period. Ultimately, he returned to Athens and set up the first organized school in the Western civilization. It soon turned into a center of excellence and many well-known scholars, including his famous pupil Aristotle, became associated with it. Plato never stopped writing; his masterpieces like ‘The Republic’ and ‘Theory of Forms’ were created during his later years. Along with Socrates and Aristotle, Plato is credited to have laid the foundation of Western philosophy and science. Fortunately, most of his works have survived for over 2,400 years.