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
blessing men practice
...in the acquisition of this blessing human nature can find no better helper than Love. I declare that it is the duty of every man to honour Love, and I honour and practice the mysteries of Love in an especial degree myself, and recommend the same to others, and I praise the power and valour of Love to the best of my ability both now and always.
facts
Go wherever the facts lead.
poet interpreter
The poets are only the interpreters of the Gods.
hate desire calm
The greatest flood has the soonest ebb; the sorest tempest the most sudden calm; the hottest love the coldest end; and from the deepest desire oftentimes ensues the deadliest hate.
world earth tiny
All of the wisdom of this world is but a tiny raft upon which we must set sail when we leave this earth. If only there was a firmer foundation upon which to sail, perhaps some divine word.
want spirituality
Those who want the fewest things are nearest to the gods.
philosophy philosopher wonder
This sense of wonder is the mark of the philosopher. Philosophy indeed has no other origin.
live-well wells one-thing
Living well and beautifully and justly are all one thing.
eye heroic-deeds soul
I was afraid that by observing objects with my eyes and trying to comprehend them with each of my other senses I might blind my soul altogether.
philosophical rivers sea
See one promontory, one mountain, one sea, one river and see all.
greed body reason-why
The reason why we have to acquire wealth is the body, because we are slaves in its service.
childhood age prudent
In childhood be modest, in youth temperate, in adulthood just, and in old age prudent.
philosophy philosophical married
Get married, in any case. If you happen to get a good mate, you will be happy; if a bad one, you will become philosophical, which is a fine thing in itself.
shadow would-be said
To them, I said, the truth would be literally nothing but the shadows of the images.