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
death fear good greatest knows people whether
Know one knows whether death, which people fear to be the greatest evil, may not be the greatest good.
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
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.
communication fools men speak wise
Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.
determine direction education future life man starts
The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.
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.
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.
among born found hundred man men might thousand
A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men.
deem enemy tells truth worst
They deem him the worst enemy who tells them the truth
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.
work self discipline
The first and the best victory is to conquer self.
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.
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.