Plato's Symposium is one of the world's most influential philosophical works, offering a timeless exploration of love, beauty, and the human longing for transcendence. Through a lively sequence of speeches delivered at a drinking party in ancient Athens, Plato examines the nature of desire and its power to lift the soul toward wisdom and immortality. The conversation moves from the humorous to the profound, weaving together myth, poetry, and rigorous logic in a dazzling tapestry of ideas. At the heart of the dialogue stands Socrates, who recounts the teachings of Diotima - a mysterious priestess who describes love as a ladder of ascent, beginning with physical attraction and rising to the contemplation of pure, eternal beauty. In Symposium, Plato shows how love is far more than a fleeting passion: it is a creative, transformative force that binds people together and calls them to greater truth. This classic English translation by Benjamin Jowett, one of the most respected Plato scholars of the nineteenth century, has introduced generations of readers to Plato's graceful and compelling prose. Jowett's rendering preserves the wit and intellectual brilliance of the original Greek, while providing clear, elegant language for modern audiences. Perfect for students, philosophers, and lovers of classic literature, this edition invites readers to witness a remarkable gathering of minds, where Alcibiades, Aristophanes, and other vivid personalities share their visions of Eros.

Symposium remains a foundational text for anyone interested in philosophy, psychology, literature, or the art of meaningful conversation. Whether approached as a guide to understanding love, a testament to the Socratic method, or a dramatic masterpiece in its own right, Symposium continues to inspire and challenge readers across the centuries. Discover why Plato's dialogue on love is celebrated as one of the greatest achievements of Western thought - and why its questions still resonate so powerfully today.