Plato Zeus Splits Original Humans

Plato Zeus Splits Original Humans

According to Greek mythology in Plato's Symposium, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs, and a head with two faces, and Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives searching for their other halves. In Aristophanes' speech in the dialogue, he explains that these original humans were powerful beings, and Zeus feared they might challenge the gods. This myth became one of the earliest philosophical explanations for romantic longing in Western thought.

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