Plato - Laches: "For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories"

Plato's life was significantly shaped by his education in Athens and his encounters with influential figures like Socrates, whose dialectical methods inspired him. The backdrop of the Peloponnesian War and its impact on Athenian democracy further influenced his philosophical development. His extensive travels across the Mediterranean allowed him to study various disciplines, leading to the creation of numerous enduring writings. In 385 B.C.E., he founded the Academy, aiming to cultivate future leaders through a comprehensive curriculum encompassing multiple fields of study.