Books of Titans Podcast The Plato Project
Aug 22, 2025
The host dives into the monumental task of exploring Plato's complete works over the next 15 years. They reflect on the profound influence of Plato's ideas on contemporary thought and share personal motivations for tackling philosophy despite past fears. This journey aims to document insights and transformations along the way, teasing the question of whether engaging with Plato will create a distinct 'before and after' in their understanding. Listeners are invited to join this philosophical adventure.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Buying The Complete Works Sparked A Plan
- Erik bought The Complete Works of Plato edited by John M. Cooper and found it massive at 1,765 pages.
- Seeing all works in one volume inspired him to consider reading Plato's entire corpus rather than a few selections.
Reading All Works Reveals Intellectual Influence
- Erik reasons that reading Plato's complete corpus could reveal how his ideas shaped later thought and remain embedded in our culture.
- He plans to read slowly and reflect, not merely rush to finish by year's end.
Previous Struggles With Philosophy
- Erik admits he previously read The Republic but remembers little and has long believed he's "not good at philosophy."
- He hopes this extended reading will fix his habit of getting lost in philosophical discussions.
