Plato V. Augustine Essay - 1107 Words

After reading both Plato’s Symposium and Saint Augustine’s Confessions, one can see how the latter holds certain ideas and concepts that are parallel to those found in the former. Despite the differences in time, men are hindered from their pursuit of goodness, truth, etcetera, by similar, if not entirely identical, desires. That being said, of all of the speeches found in the Symposium, Augustine would connect most deeply to that of Alcibiades. Alcibiades is depicted as a prominent Athenian statesman, a successful orator, and a well accomplished military general. On top of such admirable prestige, he is also quite physically handsome. With this knowledge in mind, he seeks to seduce Socrates into a lover-beloved relationship in which he†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"I aspired to honors, money [and] marriage†, he writes [VI.vi (9)]. By polishing his skills as an orator, Augustine manages to procure a highly revered position within society, and at one point h e finds himself betrothed to a young woman. Despite his well deserved success, he remains anxious. How is it that such accomplishments con not result in happiness? Whiles speaking with his colleagues he notes, â€Å"†¦we had no goal other than to reach a carefree cheerfulness. That beggar was already there before us†¦ There is no question that he [the beggar] was happy and I racked with anxiety† [VI.vi (9)]. Just as Alcibiades felt as though Socrates’ way of life was far superior to his own [Plato, Symposium, 216a], Saint Augustine was aware that the teachings of the Catholic church and a wholehearted obedience to God would lead to the peace of mind that he sought; â€Å"†¦there was a firm place in my heart for the faith, within the Catholic church, in your Christ, ‘our Lord and Savior’† [VII. v (7)]. He also includes a passage from Matthew 11:29 which reads, â€Å"Learn more of me†¦ and you shall find rest for your souls† [VII. ix (14)]. Still, Saint Augustine admits, â€Å"I was attracted to the way, the savior himself, but was still reluctant to go along its narrow paths† [VIII.i (1)]. Why is this so? Of all of the secular pleasures that Saint Augustine possessed, he holds the most attachment to one in particular: the fulfillment of his sexual appetite. This is mentioned severalShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Republic And Augustine On City Of God1714 Words   |  7 Pagesparadoxical manner that this may actually not be possible, he is the most persuasive author when considering the knowledge of the divine alongside Plato in â€Å"The Republic† and Augustine in â€Å"City of God†. Ghazali considers both belief and knowledge as necessary for knowledge of the divine while Plato focuses solely on knowledge. On the other side, while Augustine does support the idea of a rational soul, he refutes his own claim when considering the miracles of God. In this essay I will argue that incorporatingRead More The Book of the City of Ladies Essay1696 Words   |  7 Pagesthe renaissance period. Shakespeare and Christine de Pizan’s views align most closely with Plato’s. Christine de Pizan’s view also aligns with Augustine’s medieval view of leadership. Machiavelli’s view, however, strays the farthest from Plato and Augustine. In The Book of the City of Ladies, Christine presents an allegorical city made up of great ladies from history. 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He believed that experienceRead MoreEssay Moral and Ethics: Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide 1776 Words   |  8 Pagesunavoidably lead to circumstances where some persons will risk having their deaths hastened against their will. This belief, based upon spiritual values, considers human life blessed and sacred. No person may take the life of another. For instance, â€Å"St. Augustine interpreted the biblical prescript against killing as being absolute, even including the taking of ones own life.† Another quarrel for the sanctity of human life is that this â€Å"constitutes one of the pillars of social order that must be maintainedRead MoreRoman Technology And Inventions Of The Roman Century1464 Words   |  6 Pages2. Art E. Roman Technology in Agriculture F. Roman Technology in War 1. Roman War Strategy 2. Instruments of War IV. Daily Life A. The daily life of merchants B. The daily life of farmers C. The daily life of the rich D. The daily life of the poor V. 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