“At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.”
- 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.
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Quote
“At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato suggests that love has a transformative power that unlocks the creative potential within everyone. The idea is that when people experience love—whether romantic, platonic, or even universal—they are moved by deep emotions that inspire them to express themselves in artistic or poetic ways. Love, in its many forms, stirs the soul and prompts a response that transcends everyday language, bringing out a more expressive, intuitive side of human nature. For Plato, love connects individuals to something greater than themselves, igniting a spark of creativity and allowing them to access a more profound truth or understanding of the world.
This quote is often seen as an expression of the relationship between love and inspiration in Plato’s philosophy. In *The Symposium*, for example, Plato explores the idea that love (or Eros) drives individuals to seek beauty, truth, and higher knowledge, often leading them to create and share in ways that elevate the soul. Love brings people closer to the divine and the eternal, inspiring expressions that capture the essence of human experience and the beauty of life.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the idea that emotions, particularly love, can be a powerful source of artistic inspiration. Whether through poetry, music, or other forms of creative expression, love motivates people to articulate their feelings and experiences in ways that connect to others on a deeper emotional level. It suggests that the ability to create and appreciate beauty is not limited to a select few but is available to all who are open to the transformative power of love. Plato’s quote invites us to recognize the artistic potential within ourselves, particularly when we are moved by powerful emotions such as love.
