Plato
Plato
Platowas a philosopher in Classical Greece and the founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. He is widely considered the most pivotal figure in the development of philosophy, especially the Western tradition. Unlike nearly all of his philosophical contemporaries, Plato's entire œuvre is believed to have survived intact for over 2,400 years...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionPhilosopher
human-nature
Many are the thyrsus-bearers, but few are the mystics.
men knowing society
No man's nature is able to know what is best for the social state of man; or, knowing, always able to do what is best.
hate heart men
The well-nurtured youth is one who would see most clearly whatever was amiss in ill-made works of man or ill-grown works of nature, and with a just distaste would blame and hate the ugly even from his earliest years and would give delighted praise to beauty, receiving it into his soul and being nourished by it, so that he became a man of gentle heart.....
justice may hearing
May not the wolf, as the proverb says, claim a hearing?
poet asks
Don't ask a poet to explain himself. He cannot.
divinity poet bondage
The poets are nothing but interpreters of the gods, each one possessed by the divinity to whom he is in bondage.
art men law
In one sense it is evident that the art of kingship does include the art of lawmaking. But the political ideal is not full authority for laws but rather full authority for a man who understands the art of kingship and has kingly ability.
equality delight
Equals, the proverb goes, delight in equals.
brother fellowship helping
Let brother help brother.
light mind oracles
For the poet is a light winged and holy thing, and there is no invention in him until he has been inspired and is out of his senses and the mind is no longer with him. When he has not attained this state he is powerless and unable to utter his oracles.
wise communication men
Wise men speak because they have something to say
what-matters shapes firsts
And the first step, as you know, is always what matters most, particularly when we are dealing with those who are young and tender. That is the time when they are taking shape and when any impression we choose to make leaves a permanent mark.
suffering injustice
The only thing worse than suffering an injustice is committing an injustice.
reality artist giving
A true artist is someone who gives birth to a new reality.