Plato - Phaedrus: "Rhetoric is the art of ruling the minds of men"

The life of Plato was profoundly shaped by his education and pivotal experiences, including his mentorship under Socrates and the impact of the Peloponnesian War. Educated by esteemed teachers, he traveled extensively, absorbing knowledge in various disciplines. Upon returning to Athens, he founded the Academy around 385 B.C.E., aiming to cultivate future leaders through a diverse curriculum. His writings, which continue to influence Western thought, are categorized into three periods, reflecting his evolving philosophical insights until his death around 348 B.C.E.