Eros, God of Love as Inspiration for Humanity

The Opening Speech of Phaedrus in Plato’s Symposium Dialogue

Aug 22, 2009

Phaedrus's speech is concerned with the power of Eros in each lover's life that motivates everyone to overcome fear and become a hero in order to impress the loved one.

In the Symposium, Plato writes about a wine drinking party at Agathon’s house at Athens where various illustrious men — among them Socrates, Plato’s famous teacher — meet up to discuss love, eroticism and knowledge. Various guests express their own points of views and philosophize about the origins, pitfalls and importance of love and the Symposium culminates in the speech of Socrates, who most likely stands for the ideas of Plato himself.

Phaedrus is the first to address the gathering and as is custom he begins to invoke the gods, in particular Eros, the god of love. This god is said to be the eldest god and of the greatest benefit to all of humanity. Furthermore, he provides an example and role model for mankind representing the noble principle that should guide men to live in noble fashion.

In fact, as Phaedrus points out, no other motive can inspire people to such a degree, not even honor or wealth can serve as such an incentive for noble deeds and action. Love inspires one to do good to others, to be benevolent and it is of divine nature because it is inspired by an illustrious god.

Love as Inspiration to Live Morally and to Commit Courageous Acts

According to Phaedrus, lovers would make the best soldiers and governors. On the battlefield a lover would attempt to impress the beloved and act and fight with zeal, passion and full of courage. Lovers would, in fact, be invincible and overcome the world.

On the other hand, shameful acts, such as cowardice or indifference, would be strictly avoided. The lover would find it extremely shameful to be considered a coward in front of their loved one and they would rather die a thousand times over. It was believed that not even one’s father or companion could motivate anyone to such a degree.

Eros, the God of Love - A Noble, Mighty and Virtuous Author

Eros would therefore be considered as very forceful and powerful among humanity. He is the god that inspires people to live a virtuous and courageous life and he leads people to enduring happiness.

Phaedrus believes that the lover who is completely inspired and taken by this god considered to be the author of virtue in life and happiness after death, this lover would not only become a hero but also a divine creature who can endure pain and hardships in life all for the sake of love.

Phaedrus’s speech sets up the tone of the Symposium and it is followed by other speeches that often criticize his point of view, yet overall each contributes to a better understanding of the philosophical implications of love and eroticism.

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