# Symposium

By Plato.

"Symposium" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written between 385-370 BC. At a banquet in ancient Athens, notable figures including Socrates, Alcibiades, and Aristophanes engage in a contest of speeches praising Eros, the god of love. Each man offers his perspective on love's nature and power—from inspiring battlefield courage to transcending earthly desire. Through conflicting ideas and shifting viewpoints, the dialogue explores love's deepest meanings while showcasing both philosophical depth and literary artistry. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Translator: Benjamin Jowett
- Subjects: Classical literature; Socrates, 470 BC-399 BC; Philosophy, Ancient; Love -- Early works to 1800

[Read it](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/books/gutenberg/1600/read)
[Plain text](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/api/books/gutenberg/1600/text)

## Audiobooks of it

- [Symposium](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/books/librivox/3485) by Plato (Πλάτων) (2 h 15 min, English)
- [Symposium (version 2) (dramatic reading)](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/books/librivox/8197) by Plato (Πλάτων) (2 h 33 min, English)

From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.