You might have seen his name in Form 4 history textbook. The Greek Philosopher, Plato was not only known for his big brain but also for his brawn. Plato is not even his real name as it is unknown. He got the name Plato from his trainer Diogenes Laërtius as he called him ‘Platon’ meaning ‘broad’. The name referring to not only his physique of an athlete but also his mind, speech and forehead.
He was not only known as a great thinker but also a good a wrestler. Plato competed at the Isthmian Games (comparable to the Olympics), and continued wrestling into adulthood.
He was very passionate about physical education. He encouraged people to balance physical training with “cultivating the mind,” exercising “the intellect in study.” In his book The Republic he equates the importance of physical training, likening it to learning music and poetry. However, he also told people to keep things in moderation. The goal “is to bring the two elements into tune with one another by adjusting the tension of each to the right pitch.” Equal parts thought and sweat, so to speak.
Source: New York Times
