Critias

Critias by Plato (347)

Critias is a dialogue written by Plato, which is part of the larger work known as the Timaeus-Critias. The dialogue is set in the year 411 BC, and is narrated by Socrates. The dialogue begins with Socrates asking Critias to tell him a story about the lost island of Atlantis. Critias then tells the story of how the island of Atlantis was once a great and powerful empire, but eventually fell into ruin due to its own hubris. He then goes on to describe the island in detail, including its geography, its people, and its government. The dialogue then shifts to a discussion of the moral and political implications of the story. Critias argues that the story of Atlantis serves as a warning to all people, and that it is a reminder of the consequences of pride and ambition. He also argues that the story of Atlantis is a reminder of the importance of justice and moderation in government. The dialogue ends with Socrates and Critias agreeing that the story of Atlantis is a valuable lesson for all people.

By Plato · First published 347 · Genre: Philosophy, Classical Literature, History · 6,777 words

First lines

PERSONS OF THE DIALOGUE: Critias, Hermocrates, Timaeus, Socrates.

TIMAEUS: How thankful I am, Socrates, that I have arrived at last, and, like a weary traveller after a long journey, may be at rest! And I pray the being who always was of old, and has now been by me revealed, to grant that my words may endure in so far as they have been spoken truly and acceptably to him; but if unintentionally I have said anything wrong, I pray that he will impose upon me a just retribution, and the just retribution of him who errs is that he should be set right.

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Critias is listed on Textopian as an essay by Plato, dated 347 CE.

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Classical literature · called · centre · city · common · country · critias · days · dwelt · earth · fruits · god

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