The Letters

Thirteen letters ascribed to Plato · translated by Benjamin Jowett

  1. I. Letter I Likely spurious To Dionysius — a rebuke for his ignominious dismissal, refusing the gold offered for the journey home. →
  2. II. Letter II Likely spurious To Dionysius — on the union of wisdom and power, on fame and posterity, and a riddling word on the nature of "the First." →
  3. III. Letter III Likely spurious To Dionysius — a defence against the charge of having hindered his political plans. →
  4. IV. Letter IV Likely spurious To Dion — counsel, at the hour of victory, on virtue, reputation, and the danger of an unaffable manner. →
  5. V. Letter V Likely spurious To Perdiccas — commending Euphraeus, and on the distinct language proper to each form of government. →
  6. VI. Letter VI Likely spurious To Hermeias, Erastus, and Coriscus — urging three neighbours to bind themselves together in friendship. →
  7. VII. Letter VII Very likely authentic To the Associates and Friends of Dion — the great autobiographical letter: the three voyages to Sicily, the fate of Dion, and the nature of true philosophy, which cannot be put into words. →
  8. VIII. Letter VIII Likely authentic To the Relatives and Companions of Dion — a plan of reconciliation for Syracuse: kingship bound and limited by law. →
  9. IX. Letter IX Likely spurious To Archytas of Tarentum — that no man is born for himself alone. →
  10. X. Letter X Likely spurious To Aristodorus — that steadfastness, trustiness, and sincerity are the genuine philosophy. →
  11. XI. Letter XI Likely spurious To Laodamas — that no legislation avails without some living authority to oversee the daily life of a state. →
  12. XII. Letter XII Likely spurious To Archytas of Tarentum — acknowledging the Pythagorean treatises received. →
  13. XIII. Letter XIII Likely spurious To Dionysius — on gifts, statues, wine, and household affairs, sealed with the sign by which his true letters are known. →