# Symposium

**Author:** Plato
**Tags:** Love, Classical literature, Philosophy, Ancient, Socrates, 470 BC-399 BC, Early works to 1800
**Price:** Free
**Formats:** DOCX, EPUB, FB2, PDF, TXT
**Downloads:** 39
**Added:** 10.07.2026
**URL:** https://samolit.com/books/95984

## Description

Plato's Symposium invites readers to a lively Athenian banquet where a group of distinguished men, including Socrates, the comic playwright Aristophanes, and the tragic poet Agathon, gather to celebrate a dramatic victory. As the evening unfolds, the guests decide to forgo heavy drinking in favor of a more intellectual pursuit: delivering speeches in praise of Eros, the god of love. Each speaker presents a unique and compelling perspective, exploring love's origins, nature, and profound effects on humanity. From tales of primordial beings split in two to discussions of physical attraction and noble devotion, the dialogue delves into the multifaceted expressions of desire. Socrates, drawing on the wisdom of the prophetess Diotima, culminates the discussion with his famous "Ladder of Love," revealing a profound journey from earthly beauty to the pursuit of absolute, divine beauty and wisdom itself. This timeless classical work offers a philosophical exploration of love in all its forms, challenging and enriching our understanding of human connection and aspiration.