...when he looks at Beauty in the only way that Beauty can…
![“...when he looks at Beauty in the only way that Beauty can be seen - only then will it become possible for him to give birth not to images of virtue (because he's in touch with no images), but to true virtue [arete] (because he is in touch with true Beauty). The love of the gods belongs to anyone…” quote by Plato](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/f0f/plato-103_beauty_when-he-looks-at-beauty-in-the-only-way_509533.jpg)
““...when he looks at Beauty in the only way that Beauty can be seen - only then will it become possible for him to give birth not to images of virtue (because he's in touch with no images), but to true virtue [arete] (because he is in touch with true Beauty). The love of the gods belongs to anyone who has given to true virtue and nourished it, and if any human being could become immortal, it would be he.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True virtue arises from encountering true Beauty, not merely images of virtue, leading to immortal excellence.
In simple terms: True virtue comes from real Beauty, not just ideas.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine Beauty to develop virtue.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
aesthetics
immortality
Mood
reflective
academic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- art appreciation
- ethical decision‑making
- personal growth
Key Concepts
true Beauty
virtue
the divine
human potential
Questions to Reflect On
- How does one recognize true Beauty?
- Can virtue exist without Beauty?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations of Beauty vary across cultures.