Plato had many day jobs: philosopher, mathematician and writer. On the side, he happened to be the founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. He had a famous teacher, Socrates, who was always in some sort of trouble. Even today, Plato is copiously quoted and revered as one of the most important founding figures in Western philosophy. His dialogues add depth to questions relating to logic, ethics, rhetoric, and mathematics. Weighty matters, debate fodder.
And yet, Plato’s understanding of joy can be articulated in one sentence:
Love is the joy of the good,
The wonder of the wise,
The amazement of the gods…
Plato (427 – 347 BC)
The joyous message of Christmas came many years later, yet the fundamental nature of joy remains unchanged to this very day. Love is the genesis of joy. Even the wisest of humanity are humbled by the strength of love in action.
The philosopher has spoken: Joy to the world begins with love.
Lady Budd 
So beautiful Platone…
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Thank you so much for your visit and comments – very much appreciated. Plato knew what he was talking about! Sometimes simplicity is complexity in disguise.
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well Rebecca (if I may call you that) I didn’t know you had so many blogs where do you find the time. May I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year – Scott
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I would be pleased if you call me Rebecca!!! So glad that you stopped by for a visit. When I first decided to blog, I kept adding blogs. Every time WordPress asked whether I wanted to start another blog, I couldn’t help myself – I liked creating new names. LadyBudd was actually my second blog after Clanmother. It started when I was going through all of my father’s photos from the 30’s and 40’s. That’s when the thought occurred that I should document my thoughts with photos. History is not just for the few that appear in our newspapers. History belongs to all of us. I like Robert Kennedy’s quote. “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” I am so glad that we connected over the blogger miles. You have an extraordinary blog – I look forward to every post. Merry Merry Christmas. I look forward to the blogging adventures waiting for us in 2013.
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Well Rebecca – I am truly glad the ‘Reader’ has allowed me not to miss this response – my job is full on and keeping up administratively is a challenge. That said I love blogging and learn so much. I enjoy well written prose and love your responses. When I do this full time you be limiting my interaction ha ha
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So glad that we connected over the blogger miles! Life is hurtling at a speed that seems to be exponential. There are many adventures waiting for us in 2013. We are 14 days into the year and so far it has been amazing! Your comments and visits are much appreciated.
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