One of the more interesting lines in Plato's Symposium that caught my eye was when Diotima claims "love is wanting to possess the good forever" (206B). From this possessing of the good comes forth eternal happiness. Plato taps into an intrinsic desire that is universal across humanity as we constantly find ourselves aiming for happiness. This is one of the prime reasons, if not the only reason, for doing the activities that we pursue. However, this happiness is not found in the material created goods of this world, but lies in the good which is something far greater and divine. Through Diotima, Plato is arguing that there is in a sense an ultimate end, which humans pursue or are inclined to pursue that extends beyond this life. This ultimate end is the good, and possession of the good is love. By practicing true love for others and ourselves we can come closer to the good and obtain happiness.
In one way, I agree with Plato and think he is on the right track. The good can be seen as God and the ultimate end is communion with God or beatitude. This intellectual vision of God and unity with him in heaven is his true love for us coming to fruition. At the same time our free will allows us to choose to love God or not. Thus, true love is wanting to participate in the good or God through divine activity. However, love in this life is only a glimpse of the love God has for us and is only a part of the good despite sharing the same name as true love. As long as we recognize that love in this life is not the final end, then this lowered form of love is a good thing. It acts as an antecedent to the beatitude and perfect happiness that we seek by giving us a taste of the good. Additionally, one must be careful in determining the object of love as this same good can be corrupted to turn our hearts away from God and true love. Thus, there are people who love money, material objects, power, glory, and sex as their ultimate end which will always leave them unsatisfied and wanting more. If love plays a central role in pursuing the good, can it equally play a major role in turning away from the good?
-BaylorBear16
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