After pursuing the broad course of studies of his day, Plato became in a pupil and then friend of Socrates. From around 388 BC he lived for a short time at the court of Dionysius the Elder, the tyrant of Syracuse, where he developed much of his understanding of human nature. On his return to Athens, Plato founded a school, the Academy, where he taught mathematics and philosophy until his death. His teaching was interrupted by two more visits to Syracuse later in life, which he made in the vain hope of seeing his political ideals realized in Sicily. His thoughts and theories continue to strongly influence us today in education, psychology, philosophy, and politics. It is the purpose of this brief paper to examine the life and contribution of this great genius.