In Plato's Symposium, Diotima of Mantinea presents a transformative view of love through her "Ladder of Love" concept. This philosophical journey starts with basic physical attraction and evolves into a profound understanding of beauty and love.

1. Physical Attraction: The journey begins with an appreciation of individual physical beauty, which is the most immediate and instinctual form of love.


2. Love of All Beautiful Bodies: The next step involves recognizing beauty as a universal quality shared by many, not just a single individual.


3. Love of the Soul: The focus then shifts from physical appearance to the virtues and moral character of individuals, valuing deeper personal qualities.


4. Love of Institutions and Laws: The lover progresses to appreciating the beauty in societal structures, laws, and ethical norms that contribute to the common good.


5. Love of Knowledge and Intellectual Beauty: The lover then engages with the beauty of intellectual pursuits and philosophical ideas, valuing wisdom and understanding.


6. Love of the Form of Beauty Itself: The final and highest level is the appreciation of the pure and unchanging essence of beauty itself, transcending all individual forms and instances.



Diotima suggests that reaching this ultimate stage of understanding provides the most profound and fulfilling experience of love, transforming one's perception and connection to beauty.

Music Credit
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Chapters:
00:00 The Big L
01:41 Physical Attraction
02:58 Love of All Beautiful Bodies
05:08 Love of Soul
06:42 Love of Institutions and Laws
08:10 Love of Knowledge and intellectual beauty
09:38 Love of Form of Beauty itself
11:30 Question to you all!


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