Plato Wasn’t Just a Philosopher: He Was an Elite Athlete

Today’s athlete in focus is Plato. In addition to being a great philosopher, he was a great wrestler. As a philosopher, Plato is known for his great teachings which are relevant lessons for athletes like you today.

In this edition:

•  We uncover Plato’s past as an elite athlete and how his time as a wrestler shaped his philosophy.

• We explore what Plato’s teachings can reveal about mental strength, discipline, and self-mastery in sports.

• We give practical lessons from Plato that every athlete can apply to reach their full potential.

— Paco Raven, Editor & Founder

Plato: An Athlete and Philosopher combined

Plato wasn’t even his real name. He was born Aristocles, named after his father. His nickname, Plato, is believed to come from the Greek word “platos,” meaning “broad.” He may have received this nickname because of his wide shoulders or strong build.

Long before he became the philosopher we know today, he was putting in work on the wrestling mat and competing in the Isthmian Games. These games can be compared to the Olympic games, an event for people who perform at the highest level in sports.

When we examine Plato's works more closely, we recognize his background as an athlete. Plato believed that physical training is fundamental to good education. He strongly believed in the ideal citizen and the role of excellence in sports.

In other words, an athlete should not only develop himself physically but also mentally. A well-rounded athlete has the chance to become known not only for what he has won but also for his impact on society. In my eyes, this is what distinguishes great athletes from good athletes. They perform at the highest level on the field and off the field.

Why being a student of the game is important

Training is tough. No athlete wakes up every day feeling motivated to push through sprints, drills, and long hours in the gym.

But here’s the thing. Whether you feel like it or not, your body still improves. Your muscles don’t care if you're tired. Your endurance improves even when you’re not in the mood.

Strength builds whether you love the workout or hate it. Physical growth happens through repetition and effort, no matter the circumstances.

But when it comes to knowledge, it’s a different game. You can’t force someone to truly understand their sport. A coach can demand effort, but they can’t make an athlete think for themselves.

That’s why the best athletes aren’t just workers. They are students of the game. They break down film, study their mechanics, and ask why certain techniques work better than others.

They don’t just follow orders blindly; they engage, absorb, and apply.

The takeaway? Train hard, but also train smart. Do the work, but don’t just go through the motions. Learn why you do what you do because knowledge only sticks when you find it yourself.

How being afraid of the light keeps you down

Every athlete knows what fear feels like. Fear of missing the shot, fear of failing in front of a crowd, fear of being uncomfortable. But Plato points out a deeper truth: the real tragedy isn’t fearing failure. It is fearing success.

A child fears the dark because they don’t know what’s in it. But grown athletes? They often fear the light. The pressure of competition. The weight of expectations.

The responsibility that comes with winning. It’s not just about losing. It is about what comes next if they succeed.

This fear keeps some athletes stuck. They hold back in big moments, hesitate in crucial plays, or stay within their comfort zone instead of reaching for something greater.

But the best athletes? They embrace the light. They step up, take the shot, and own the moment—even when it’s terrifying.

Plato’s lesson? Growth happens when you stop fearing what’s ahead and start chasing it.

Why do you need balance as an athlete?

Some athletes struggle with discipline. They skip workouts, eat whatever they want, and put in half the effort, expecting full results.

Others go to the opposite extreme. They grind non-stop, ignore the rest, and push past their limits until their body breaks down. Plato warns against both.

Real discipline isn’t about choosing between desire and willpower. It is about balance. You need the hunger to push yourself but also the patience to train smart.

You need the fire to win but also the wisdom to recover. The greatest athletes aren’t just the ones who work the hardest; they’re the ones who manage their effort, focus, and energy the best.

The lesson? Don’t just rely on willpower to get through tough days. And don’t let short-term comfort hold you back. Find the balance between drive and discipline—because that’s where long-term success is built.

The deepest lesson of Plato for athletes

Every athlete knows that competition isn’t just about the opponent in front of them. It is about the battle within. The toughest fight isn’t always against a rival; it’s against your own doubts, weaknesses, and excuses.

Plato’s words hit deep because every athlete has been there. The moment when fatigue tells you to stop. When fear makes you hesitate. When comfort tempts you to take the easy route.

Conquering yourself means pushing past those moments and not letting your mind or emotions dictate your effort.

Great athletes aren’t just the strongest or fastest. They master their discipline, emotions, and mindset. They don’t let frustration control them, they don’t let setbacks define them, or let comfort weaken them.

They win the battle with themself every single day. The lesson? Before you can defeat anyone else, you have to defeat your limitations. True victory starts with mastering yourself.

Thank you for reading.

This Thursday we will be back with a Q&A edition. In the coming month, we are trying out two issues per week. We love to hear what you think about this.

Have a question of your own? We’d love to hear it! Just send it to [email protected], and you might see it featured here in a future edition.

Until next week,
Paco Raven, Editor & Founder
The Stoiclete