Symposium

"The Symposium" is one of Plato's most wonderful and readable dialogues. The story takes place at a luxurious banquet of ancient Greek celebrities. The poet Agathon had just won the drama award, and the guests were in high spirits and decided to offer a piece of praise to the "goddess of love" one after another. As a result, people with different personalities and identities took turns to appear - some told the touching myth that human beings were originally perfect, but were split in half because of challenging God, and then searched for the other half throughout their lives; some used metaphors of medicine and music to explain how love maintains harmony between people and the world; some emphasized that love should be directed to the soul and virtue, rather than physical desires. The climax comes from Socrates, who relays the teachings of the priestess Diotima, reveals love as the pursuit of "eternal good", and depicts a magnificent climbing road from the beauty of the body, the beauty of the soul, the beauty of institutions and knowledge, to "absolute beauty". Just when the philosophical thoughts were in full swing, the drunken Alcibiades broke in and turned the topic to Socrates himself - a man with a rough appearance and simple words, but who contained irresistible wisdom and power. "Symposium" combines philosophy, mythology, humor and human feelings. It not only explores the multiple meanings of "love", but also shows the charm of ancient Greek thought, making people feel as if they are actually there, in a feast of wit and wisdom.