Phaedrus informs Socrates that he has just heard a speech by Lysias, the greatest rhetorician of his time and sophist. Socrates, eager to hear Lysias's speech, encourages Phaedrus to reconstruct it. Phaedrus obliges and recounts Lysias' speech describing the advantages and disadvantages of love and non-lover. Lysias's speech aims to persuade the audience to view the non-lover as the more accommodating choice. “But if I persuade you, first, in my dealings with you, I will take care not of the present pleasure, but also of the benefit that awaits us for the future; I will not be defeated by love, but by self-control…” (Phaedrus p. 33). The lover is described as someone who becomes jealous, is obsessive or controlling, and desires physical appearance in front of the mind. In addition, the lover brings back the trouble, is too sensitive and too encouraging or fearful towards the loved one. While the non-lover is presented as the friend, who prefers spirit over physical appearance, is less needy and will not diminish your reputation. A non-lover will not expect gifts in return, exercises more self-control, more rational thinking, is not jealous of friends or time and is less likely to be.