Socrates
Socrates
Socrates was a classical Greekphilosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. He is an enigmatic figure known chiefly through the accounts of classical writers, especially the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon and the plays of his contemporary Aristophanes. Plato's dialogues are among the most comprehensive accounts of Socrates to survive from antiquity, though it is unclear the degree to which Socrates himself is "hidden behind his 'best disciple', Plato"...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionPhilosopher
smart stupid average
Smart people learn from everything and everyone, Average people from their experiences, Stupid people already have all the answers.
begins feeling philosophy wonder
Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.
content greek-philosopher nature
He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.
oracle wisdom wisest
The Delphic oracle said I was the wisest of all the Greeks. It is because I alone, of all the Greeks, know that I know nothing.
art continue firm friendship slow thou
Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.
greek-philosopher
Let him that would move the world first move himself.
death human
Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.
based conception emotional greek-philosopher illusion mere relative sound system thoroughly vulgar
A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.
greek-philosopher
As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.
bear beautiful carry consider cute-love dear external friendly gods grant harmony man moderate oh pan sweet-love wise
Oh dear Pan and all the other Gods of this place, grant that I may be beautiful inside. Let all my external possessions be in friendly harmony with what is within. May I consider the wise man rich. As for gold, let me have as much as a moderate man could bear and carry with him.
adversity avoid depression elation human remember stable therefore
Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity.
courage endure laugh persevere searching
We too must endure and persevere in the inquiry, and then courage will not laugh at our faintheartedness in searching for courage; which after all may, very likely, be endurance.
affections deeds kindness life thine thy words
Such as thy words are, such will thine affections be esteemed; and such as thine affections, will be thy deeds; and such as thy deeds will be thy life
glory nearest strive wish
The nearest way to glory is to strive to be what you wish to be thought to be