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
thinking soul looks
For it is obvious to everybody, I think, that this study [of astronomy] compels the soul to look upward and leads it away from things here to higher things.
looks earth twelve
Socrates said that, from above, the Earth looks like one of those twelve-patched leathern balls.
science soul looks
Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another.
believe men looks
We will be better men, braver and less idle, if we believe that one must search for the things one does not know, rather than if we believe that it is not possible to find out what we do not know and that we must not look for it.
carries exchange full luck range thou time
Time carries off all things; wouldst thou exchange - Name, looks, nature, luck? Just give time full range
desires equally flying four living meeting perfect principle public wisdom
Perfect wisdom has four parts, viz., wisdom, the principle of doing things aright; justice, the principle of doing things equally in public and private; fortitude, the principle of not flying danger, but meeting it; and temperance, the principle of subduing desires and living moderately.
boxes develop difference distant equivalent fires front glowing hours light spend wisdom
Someday, in the distant future, our grandchildren's grandchildren will develop a new equivalent of our classrooms. They will spend many hours in front of boxes with fires glowing within. May they have the wisdom to know the difference between light and knowledge.
consists foundation proceed prudent true zeal
Moderation, which consists in an indifference about little things, and in a prudent and well-proportioned zeal about things of importance, can proceed from nothing but true knowledge, which has its foundation in self-acquaintance.
leadership power seek worthy
Those who seek power are not worthy of that power.
accuracy bent child direct discover force genius learn peculiar teaching train
Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.
deem enemy tells truth worst
They deem him the worst enemy who tells them the truth
both discontent luxury meanness parent wealth
Wealth and poverty: the one is the parent of luxury and indolence, and the other of meanness and viciousness, and both of discontent
adopted best character depends happiness leads living man manly plan wisdom
The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom.
He who commits injustice is ever made more wretched than he who suffers it.