Plato

Plato was born to an aristocratic family in 400s BC Greece. As a boy, he was instructed in grammar, philosophy, and gymnastics. Plato became a follower of the philosopher Socrates and helped him write the Socratic dialogues, which laid the foundations for Western philosophy. Plato considered a career in politics, but after Socrates’ trial and execution, Plato soured to the idea and began traveling extensively. During his travels, Plato produced such works as The Republic. Upon his return to Athens, Plato established one of the earliest known schools in the Western world, the Academy, which he would preside over until his death. One of Plato’s most promising students there was Aristotle, to whom he would become a mentor.