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
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.
appear experience honor human increase practice reality shortest strengthen surest themselves virtues
The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world is to be in reality what we would appear to be; all human virtues increase and strengthen themselves by the practice and experience of them.
citizen humankind nor
I am not an Athenian, nor a Greek, but a citizen of the world.
perfection together humans
The perfect human being is all human beings put together, it is a collective, it is all of us together that make perfection.
order individual humans
The individual leads in order that those who are led can develop their potential as human beings and thereby prosper.
death human
Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.
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
evil good
There is only one good -- knowledge; and only one evil -- ignorance.
evil ignorance
There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance
good men virtue
Virtue does not come from wealth, but. . . wealth, and every other good thing which men have. . . comes from virtue.
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.
content greek-philosopher nature
He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.
begins feeling philosophy wonder
Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.
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.