Single Idea 13

[catalogued under 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 2. Immortality / d. Heaven]

Full Idea

(the poets think) 'the supreme reward of virtue was to be drunk for eternity'.

Clarification

'Virtue' here is the Greek word 'areté', which also translates as 'excellence'

Gist of Idea

Is the supreme reward for virtue to be drunk for eternity?

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 363d)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.51


A Reaction

A perceptive thought. Most people consider the best life to contain endless fun and physical pleasure, so a boozy bawdy holiday in the sunshine ticks all the boxes.

Related Idea

Idea 13558 The supreme good is harmony of spirit [Seneca]