“We ought to fly away from earth to heaven as quickly as we can; and to fly away is to become like God, as far as this is possible; and to become like him is to become holy, just, and wise.”
- 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
“We ought to fly away from earth to heaven as quickly as we can; and to fly away is to become like God, as far as this is possible; and to become like him is to become holy, just, and wise.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato describes the philosophical journey of the soul as a process of ascension from the physical world to a higher, more divine state of being. “Flying away from earth to heaven” symbolizes the soul’s escape from the limitations and distractions of the material world, seeking to align itself with the divine and eternal truths. For Plato, this journey involves the soul’s pursuit of holiness, justice, and wisdom—qualities that reflect the divine nature of God. To become like God is to cultivate these virtues, as these are the qualities that make the soul pure, enlightened, and close to the divine realm of Forms (the perfect, unchanging ideals of things like beauty, justice, and truth).
This idea ties into Plato’s broader philosophical system, particularly his belief in the immortality of the soul and its pursuit of higher knowledge and virtue. In *The Phaedo*, Plato explores how the philosopher’s life is a preparation for death, where the soul seeks to free itself from the distractions of the body and reunite with the divine by attaining wisdom and purity. By becoming more just, holy, and wise, the soul aligns itself with the divine nature and moves closer to ultimate truth. The physical world, with its temptations and imperfections, is seen as a barrier to this divine ascent, and only through the cultivation of virtue can the soul rise above these limitations.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a call to spiritual growth and moral development. It encourages us to strive for higher ideals—wisdom, justice, and holiness—as a way to transcend the petty distractions and material concerns of daily life. It suggests that true fulfillment and purpose come from aligning ourselves with moral and intellectual excellence, moving closer to our highest potential. Whether interpreted in a religious, philosophical, or personal growth context, the idea is that we can rise above the mundane and pursue a higher calling, rooted in the cultivation of virtue and the search for deeper truths.
