more from Plato

Single Idea 1637

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / C. Rationalism / 1. Rationalism]

Full Idea

The soul that lacks understanding must be set down as ugly.

Clarification

'Soul' is the Greek word 'psuché', which covers mind and consciousness and life

Gist of Idea

A soul without understanding is ugly

Source

Plato (The Sophist [c.359 BCE], 228d)

Book Reference

Plato: 'The Sophist', ed/tr. Bernadete,Seth [University of Chicago 1986], p.18


A Reaction

The teleological view of things understands their nature in things of their perfection. and the essence of beauty is perfection. It is the mind's nature to know. Failing to know is as ugly as allowing your crops to die.