Arguments against writing/books by Plato (via Harper’s)
- the soul of the speaker is not revealed in writing;
- spontaneity is compromised;
- words would be put into mouths other than those of their authors;
- writing does not hear its reader’s response;
- the hollow heads of state would echo with hired words;
- the advantages and powers of books would benefit the rich, as only they have the time to learn reading and the money to acquire books.