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Philosophy is the highest music.
Plato
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Philosophy elevates our understanding and appreciation of life, similar to the way music enriches our experiences.

In this quote, Plato suggests that philosophy, like music, has the power to move and inspire us. Just as music can evoke emotions and create harmony in our lives, philosophy deepens our understanding of the world, prompts reflection, and encourages a search for truth and meaning. Thus, the pursuit of wisdom parallels the enjoyment of beautiful melodies, elevating our existence to a higher state.

Themes

PhilosophyMusicWisdomUnderstandingLife

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on the importance of critical thinking, I quoted Plato's philosophy is the highest music to emphasize the beauty of intellectual exploration.

More from Plato

Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
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Not one of them who took up in his youth with this opinion that there are no gods ever continued until old age faithful to his conviction.
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...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
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Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
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Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
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Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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