Love (Part I)

There is only one way to learn about the nature of Love, and that is from the priestess Diotima of Mantinea. We are fortunate to have Socrates' recollection of her extraordinary masterclass, where she revealed her insights into this often misunderstood subject matter.

Note from editor of Classical Philosophy

'O Socrates Love is a great spirit, and all that which is spiritual is found between mortal and immortal. It has the power to convey human concerns to the Gods and to transmit the Gods' purposes to humankind.

From humankind come their prayers and sacrifices, and from the Gods, in return, the revelation of their will.

Dwelling between the divine and the human, Love unites all intelligent nature. And through Love flows every kind of divination and priestly art, including sacrifices, mysteries, incantations, prophecy and magic.

Since the divine does not mix directly with humankind, it is through this medium that all communion and discourse between Gods and mortals is carried, whether in sleep or awake.

Whoever is wise in things of this kind is a spiritual person, but expertise in other pursuits, whether in the arts or certain forms of labour, is ordinary and base.'

Plato, The Symposium

At this point, one should note that, since Love is a medium, there must be an Object of Love at one extreme and a Lover at the other.

Note from the editor of Classical Philosophy