# Book III: The Life, Will, and Legacy of Plato explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

> Chapter companion for The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

## What happens

This chapter details the final affairs of Plato, including his will, the epigrams on his tomb, and a list of his disciples. It also discusses the nature of his dialogues, his travels to Sicily, his interactions with Dionysius, and various anecdotes about his character and sayings. The chapter concludes with an account of his death and burial in the Academy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death and Legacy

The chapter focuses on Plato's will, his tomb epigrams, and the enduring influence of his philosophical school.

### The Philosopher's Life and Character

Numerous anecdotes illustrate Plato's character, his views on truth, drunkenness, and his self-discipline.

## Character check-ins

### Plato

Central figure; his will, death, and legacy are detailed, along with anecdotes about his character and teachings.

### Speusippus

Named as an executor of Plato's will and listed as a disciple.

### Xenocrates

Listed as a disciple; anecdote about Plato asking him to scourge a slave.

### Aristotle

Listed as a disciple; cited regarding the origin of dialogue form.

### Dionysius of Heraclea

Younger Dionysius of Sicily; Plato's interactions with him during his Sicilian travels are recounted.

### Archytas

Wrote a letter to Dionysius to secure Plato's safe return from Sicily.

## Key lines

> If fav’ring Phoebus had not Plato given To Grecian lands, how would the learned God Have e’er instructed mortal minds in learning? But he did send him, that as Aesculapius His son’s the best physician of the body, So Plato should be of the immortal soul.

If Apollo had not given Plato to Greece, the god would have had no way to teach mortals; he sent Plato as a healer of the soul, just as Aesculapius heals the body.

_Epigram comparing Plato's role to that of a divine physician for the soul._

> Truth, my friend, is a beautiful and a durable thing; but it is not easy to persuade men of this fact.

Truth is beautiful and lasting, but convincing people of this is difficult.

_Plato's saying on the nature of truth, as recorded in his Laws._

> A man must first make a name, and the monument will follow.

One should first establish a reputation; the memorial will come afterward.

_Plato's response when asked about having a monument like his predecessors._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/book-iii
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters