Inspired by Plato by Shrey

“The greatest strength is to be content with little,” Plato wrote after narrowly escaping a life of servitude.

He visited Syracuse, only to be accidentally considered inferior and be sold into slavery by a tyrant. Luckily, his friend bought him out, but it changed Plato—as the tyrant’s government was based on his own political ideals. 

He believed masters and slaves were necessary, for society was always a place of the rich ruling the poor. This thought carried on after his experience, but it changed. Now, he believed that those not fortunate still deserve to be treated as humans, something that creates character.

And that idea about treatment is one of many reasons why Plato inspires me.

You see, I’ve always been the type to daydream a lot, and I’ve been at the forefront of living within my imagination. This led me to be pretty solitary and independent in most of my actions—which I’ve always been doubted for . . .  ‘cause introverts can’t live in an extrovert’s world.

Well, Plato was in direct opposition to that.

The man was a hermit, always choosing to be alone, but things obviously fared well for him. His philosophical ideals inspired many (including me) to live for yourself and not for anything else. To always be in doubt, as that will give you the best answers. Plato founded the first ever university, developed physics, and made philosophy mainstream. 

Also, the man was jacked, and looked amazing for his time.

Just like Steven Spielberg, Isaac Newton, Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, and others, Plato is proof that individual thinking can help one fight to the top and that being personal can be a triumph.

“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.”

‘Cause of him, I learned that introversion is a superpower, common sense is supreme, and emotional judgement can help find what’s best for you.

So cheers to Plato; give the man his street cred.