Quotes With Meaning
...when he looks at Beauty in the only way that Beauty can be seen - only then will it become possible for him to give birth not to images of virtue (because he's in touch with no images), but to true virtue [arete] (because he is in touch with true Beauty). The love of the gods belongs to anyone who has given to true virtue and nourished it, and if any human being could become immortal, it would be he.
...when he looks at Beauty in the only way that Beauty can be seen - only then will it become possible for him to give birth not to images of virtue (because he's in touch with no images), but to true virtue [arete] (because he is in touch with true Beauty). The love of the gods belongs to anyone who has given to true virtue and nourished it, and if any human being could become immortal, it would be he.
The quote discusses how true understanding of Beauty leads to genuine virtue. It suggests that when a person perceives Beauty authentically, they can transcend superficial ideas of virtue, which are merely representations. Instead, they connect with true virtue, or arete, which emerges from this deeper understanding. This connection fosters a kind of divine love, implying that those who nurture true virtue attain a higher state of existence. The idea of immortality here signifies that such a person lives on through their virtues, impacting others positively. Ultimately, the quote emphasizes that real growth and freedom come from seeking and embracing true beauty in life.