“The good is the beautiful.”
- 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
“The good is the beautiful.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato asserts a deep connection between goodness and beauty, suggesting that true beauty is not merely superficial or aesthetic but is inherently tied to moral goodness. For Plato, the concept of beauty transcends physical appearance and is closely related to the idea of virtue and truth. The truly beautiful things in the world, whether they are works of art, actions, or ideas, are those that embody justice, wisdom, and goodness. This idea is central to Plato’s belief in the unity of the virtues—beauty and goodness are not separate qualities but are part of a larger whole. A person or thing that is truly beautiful is one that embodies the good in its highest form, reflecting the harmony, balance, and moral excellence that Plato associated with the ideal Form.
In Plato’s philosophy, especially in his discussions in *The Republic*, he speaks of the Forms—perfect, eternal, and unchanging ideals that represent the highest reality. Beauty is one of these Forms, and to Plato, the good is a key characteristic of this ideal. In his view, the good is the ultimate principle, and all things that are truly good are also beautiful in their nature, as they express the order and harmony that define the ideal world of the Forms. A virtuous life, for Plato, is one that seeks and aligns with the good, and in doing so, it reflects a kind of inner beauty that transcends external appearance.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the idea that true beauty is not just physical or superficial, but is connected to moral excellence and integrity. It invites us to recognize the beauty in virtue, in actions that promote the common good, and in people who embody wisdom and compassion. In a world often focused on external beauty, Plato’s idea encourages us to seek and appreciate a deeper, more enduring beauty that is found in the goodness of character, actions, and intentions.
