Artists & Writers · Ancient World
Plato’s Last Words
“Unknown — accounts vary.”— Plato, 348 BC
Who Was Plato?
Plato founded the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. His dialogues exploring justice, beauty, and equality remain foundational to Western philosophy.
The Final Moments
Plato reportedly died peacefully in his sleep at a wedding feast at age 80. His student Aristotle would go on to found his own school, the Lyceum.
Are These Words Verified?
Ancient sources written centuries after Plato's death provide conflicting accounts. No contemporaneous records of his final words exist.
Sources
- biography Diogenes Laertius 'Lives of Eminent Philosophers'
- other Cicero's writings
Legacy
Alfred North Whitehead described all of Western philosophy as 'footnotes to Plato.' His Republic remains one of the most influential books ever written.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Plato’s last words?
“Unknown — accounts vary.”
How did Plato die?
Plato died on 348 BC at the age of 80. Cause of death: Natural causes (died in his sleep).
Were Plato’s last words documented?
Ancient sources written centuries after Plato's death provide conflicting accounts. No contemporaneous records of his final words exist.
More from Artists & Writers
See all →
Oscar Wilde
“Either that wallpaper goes, or I do.”
Socrates
“Crito, we owe a cock to Asclepius. Please, don't forget to pay the debt.”
Mark Twain
“Goodbye. If we meet—”
Salvador Dalí
“Where is my clock?”