Meaning: This quote, attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, encapsulates the essence of introspection and the inner dialogue of the human mind. "Thinking: the talking of the soul with itself" suggests that the act of thinking is not merely a cognitive process, but rather a profound and intimate conversation that takes place within the depths of one's own being. In this quote, Plato presents thinking as a form of self-communication, emphasizing the idea that the soul engages in a dialogue with itself during the process of deep contemplation and reflection.

Plato was a renowned philosopher in ancient Greece, and his ideas and teachings have had a profound and lasting impact on Western philosophy. Born around 428 BCE, Plato was a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle. He is best known for his philosophical dialogues, which often feature his mentor Socrates as the central character engaging in discussions on various topics such as ethics, politics, metaphysics, and epistemology.

Plato's concept of "thinking" as the soul's conversation with itself reflects his broader philosophical views on the nature of the human soul and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. In his famous work "The Republic," Plato presents the allegory of the cave, in which he explores the nature of reality, the human condition, and the journey towards enlightenment. This allegory highlights the transformative power of philosophical inquiry and the process of turning inward to discover profound truths about the self and the world.

The quote also aligns with Plato's theory of forms, which posits that the material world is but a shadow or imperfect reflection of the true, unchanging forms or ideas that exist in the realm of the intellect. According to Plato, the soul has access to these eternal forms through the exercise of reason and contemplation, and it is through the process of thinking that the soul strives to attain knowledge of the highest truths and realities.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted in the context of Plato's views on the nature of the human psyche. In his famous work "Phaedrus," Plato discusses the tripartite model of the soul, which consists of the rational, spirited, and appetitive elements. The act of thinking, as described in the quote, can be seen as the domain of the rational soul engaging in a discourse with itself, seeking to harmonize the conflicting desires and impulses within the individual.

Plato's profound influence on Western thought and his enduring relevance as a philosopher stem from his exploration of fundamental questions about the nature of existence, the human experience, and the pursuit of wisdom. The quote "Thinking: the talking of the soul with itself" encapsulates the timeless insight of Plato into the introspective nature of thought and the inner dialogue of the human soul, inviting individuals to delve into the depths of their own being in search of self-knowledge and transcendent truths.