A collection of letters attributed to Plato. The Seventh Letter, if genuine, is the closest thing to an autobiography Plato wrote — his disillusionment with politics, his trips to Syracuse, and his reasons for turning to philosophy.
Start ReadingA brief letter to Dionysius I of Syracuse, considered spurious by most scholars.
A letter advising Dion's associates after Dion's death. On the conditions under which Syracuse might achieve good government.
A brief letter to Dionysius II, usually considered spurious.
A letter to Dion of Syracuse, brief and of disputed authenticity.
A letter to Perdiccas of Macedon, advising on constitutional reform. Likely spurious.
A brief letter to Hermias of Atarneus, Erastus, and Coriscus. On the importance of philosophy in governance.
The Seventh Letter — by far the most important. Plato's autobiography: his disillusionment with Athenian politics, his visits to Syracuse, and his famous statement that true philosophy cannot be written down.
A letter to Dion's associates, reinforcing the advice of Letter VII. Usually considered genuine.
A letter to Archytas of Tarentum, probably spurious.
A letter to Aristodorus, very brief. On the philosopher's superiority to the tyrant.
A letter to Laodamas, advising on the founding of a colony. On the need for philosophical advisors.
A letter to Archytas, on the exchange of philosophical writings. Probably spurious.
The Thirteenth Letter, addressed to Dionysius II. Requests for money and gifts. Usually considered spurious but contains interesting biographical details.