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
political-will talking-politics libertarian-party
One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.
years talking hours
You get to know someone better by playing for an hour than by talking for a year.
thinking talking soul
Thinking: the talking of the soul with itself.
wisdom thinking talking
Thinking is the soul talking to itself.
thinking talking psychology
When the mind is thinking it is talking to itself.
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.