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
call kings philosophy power rulers thus till troubles truly
There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands.
faith twice
We are twice armed if we fight with faith.
work
The beginning is the most important part of the work.
afraid child easily forgive greek-philosopher life men tragedy
We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
communication fools men speak wise
Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.
charm flight gaiety gives life moral music soul wings
Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.
cling poor soul starve strange strive touch weep
A kiss, and touch of lips; not strange my Soul should cling - Strive to cross, weep to turn, and starve with me poor thing
ignorance past men
We see many instances of cities going down like sinking ships to their destruction. There have been such wrecks in the past and there surely will be others in the future, caused by the wickedness of captains and crews alike. For these are guilty men, whose sin is supreme ignorance of what matters most.
obedience command
Through obedience learn to command.
use said force
Even God is said to be unable to use force against necessity.
kindness lost
Kindness which is bestowed on the good is never lost.
golden sun influence
By the golden chain Homer meant nothing else than the sun.
faith age youth
Not one of them who took up in his youth with this opinion that there are no gods ever continued until old age faithful to his conviction.
eye giving right-direction
Conversion is not implanting eyes, for they exist already; but giving them a right direction, which they have not