Meaning: This quote is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, and it encapsulates his belief in the pursuit of transcending earthly concerns and aspiring to become godlike through the cultivation of virtues. It reflects his philosophical ideas on the nature of the human soul, the pursuit of wisdom, and the ultimate goal of attaining a divine-like state of being.

Plato was a prominent figure in the development of Western philosophy and is best known for his works, such as "The Republic" and "The Symposium," which explore various aspects of human existence, ethics, and the nature of reality. In this quote, Plato emphasizes the importance of aspiring to transcend the limitations of earthly life and to strive for a higher, more divine state of being.

The phrase "fly away from earth to heaven" can be understood metaphorically as a call to elevate one's consciousness and moral character beyond the mundane concerns of daily life. For Plato, the pursuit of knowledge and virtue was a means of transcending the material world and aligning oneself with higher, more divine principles. This idea is consistent with Plato's overarching philosophical framework, which posits that the physical world is merely a shadow of a higher, transcendent reality, and that the ultimate goal of human existence is to attain knowledge of this higher realm.

The notion of "becoming like God" in Plato's quote reflects his belief in the intrinsic potential of the human soul to partake in divine attributes. In Plato's metaphysical system, the human soul is seen as immortal and capable of attaining knowledge of the Forms, which are the eternal, perfect archetypes of all things. By aligning oneself with the Forms, individuals can cultivate virtues such as holiness, justice, and wisdom, thereby becoming more godlike in their moral and intellectual character.

Plato's concept of "becoming holy, just, and wise" underscores the centrality of virtue in his ethical philosophy. He believed that the pursuit of wisdom, justice, and moral excellence was essential for individuals to fulfill their potential and lead a fulfilling life. Through dialectical inquiry and the cultivation of philosophical wisdom, individuals could come to understand the nature of the good, the just, and the beautiful, and strive to embody these ideals in their thoughts and actions.

It is important to note that Plato's conception of "becoming like God" should not be interpreted in a literal sense, but rather as a metaphor for the pursuit of moral and intellectual perfection. While Plato was deeply influenced by the religious and mythological traditions of his time, his philosophical vision was more concerned with the cultivation of ethical and intellectual virtues than with theistic conceptions of divinity.

In conclusion, Plato's quote encapsulates his philosophical emphasis on the pursuit of virtue, wisdom, and the transcendence of earthly concerns in the quest for a more divine-like state of being. It reflects his belief in the potential of the human soul to align itself with higher, transcendent principles and to cultivate moral and intellectual excellence. By aspiring to "fly away from earth to heaven" and to "become like God" through the pursuit of holiness, justice, and wisdom, individuals, according to Plato, can attain a more fulfilled and elevated existence.