“Poets utter great and wise things which they do not themselves understand.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
Quote
“Poets utter great and wise things which they do not themselves understand.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato reflects on the nature of poetic inspiration and the role of the poet. He suggests that poets, though capable of producing great and powerful works, often do so without a full understanding of the meaning or wisdom behind their words. Instead, they are inspired by a kind of divine madness or external influence, which allows them to articulate truths or insights that they themselves may not fully grasp. The poet’s wisdom comes not from rational thought or understanding, but from the inspiration that transcends conscious comprehension.
This concept is connected to Plato’s larger philosophical ideas, particularly his views on knowledge and inspiration. In *The Republic*, he discusses the role of art and poetry in society, recognizing the emotional power and truth that poetry can convey, while also cautioning that poets should not be trusted to guide moral or intellectual development. For Plato, poetry can inspire and uplift, but it is not a reliable source of true knowledge or understanding because it does not always stem from reason or rational insight.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the mystical and creative process behind artistic expression. It reminds us that while artists, including poets, can often express profound truths, their creativity and artistic vision do not always arise from conscious or intellectual understanding. Sometimes, great works of art are born out of inspiration that transcends the artist’s awareness, capturing insights that resonate deeply with others, even though the artist may not fully understand the implications themselves. Plato’s message invites us to appreciate the power of creativity and the way it can reveal deeper truths, even when the artist is not fully conscious of them.
