Plato (approx. 424-327 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher who is commonly regarded as the centermost figure of Western philosophy. During the Classical period of Ancient Greece, he was based in Athens where he founded his own academy and created the Platonist school of thought. Plato’s writings touched on a wide range of subjects, including science, human nature, love, sexuality, and metaphysics. He was particularly interested in reconciling the seemingly irreconcilable, writing at length about the dual natures of perception and reality, nature and custom, and body and soul. His works and ideals are among the most influential in Western history, commanding interest, and challenging readers of every era to question their reality and live as paragons of justice and virtue.