Odysseus is the only Homeric character who speaks to himself. He has “parts” to himself — the speaker (reasons), the heart (obeys), and the man (twists and turns).

It is a remarkable anticipation of Plato’s Republic, and helps us understand why Socrates calls Odysseus a philosopher at the end of that dialogue.

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Odysseus' self-command reflects Plato's tripartite soul, reason, spirit, and appetite showing why Socrates calls him a philosopher.

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