Plato, one of the most influential philosophers in Western history, was known for his wisdom and philosophical contributions, which have shaped centuries of thought and understanding. His quotes reflect timeless insights on a variety of topics, including knowledge, ethics, politics, and the human soul. Throughout his works, Plato often explored the nature of reality, the essence of truth, and the pursuit of a just society. These profound words offer guidance not only for philosophers but for anyone seeking inspiration and deeper understanding of life. In this article, we present 48 of Plato’s most famous quotes, each resonating with universal truths and offering timeless wisdom.
1. “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
2. “Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.”
3. “Courage is knowing what not to fear.”
4. “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”
5. “The first and best victory is to conquer self.”
6. “Time is a great healer, but a poor beautician.”
7. “A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.”
8. “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”
9. “He who commits injustice and does not repent, is more miserable than the one who suffers it.”
10. “The measure of a man is what he does with power.”
11. “The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”
12. “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”
13. “Thinking: the talking of the soul with itself.”
14. “Love is a serious mental disease.”
15. “The law is not the same for all men. Only the ruler knows the laws.”
16. “Justice means minding your own business and not meddling with other men’s concerns.”
17. “Necessity is the mother of invention.”
18. “Philosophy begins in wonder.”
19. “There are three classes of men: lovers of wisdom, lovers of honor, and lovers of gain.”
20. “The punishment which the wise suffer who refuse to take part in politics is to live under the government of worse men.”
21. “He who is not a good servant will not be a good master.”
22. “A man is a good man only when his deeds and thoughts are harmonious with one another.”
23. “Injustice is better than a reputation of injustice.”
24. “To suffer the punishment of your own folly is to gain wisdom.”
25. “The soul takes nothing with her to the next life except her education.”
26. “Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds.”
27. “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.”
28. “The soul of man is immortal and imperishable.”
29. “The one who makes the most mistakes often learns the most.”
30. “The way to know anything is to engage in dialogue.”
31. “A friend is one soul in two bodies.”
32. “Those who tell the stories also rule society.”
33. “All men by nature desire knowledge.”
34. “I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.”
35. “Education is the movement from darkness to light.”
36. “He who is not a good servant will not be a good master.”
37. “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
38. “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.”
39. “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
40. “A wise man will be slow to speak and quick to listen.”
41. “True love is not about perfection but about accepting imperfection.”
42. “It is not the body that we should care for, but the soul.”
43. “A good man should be like a piece of marble, polished and well-shaped.”
44. “The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.”
45. “The most important part of education is not the information you learn, but the habit of thinking.”
46. “Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great concern.”
47. “The highest good is not pleasure, but the pursuit of wisdom.”
48. “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”
Conclusion
The quotes of Plato are like windows to a timeless world of philosophical thought, offering insights on knowledge, justice, love, and the human condition. Each quote encapsulates deep meanings that transcend generations, inviting us to ponder the essence of life, morality, and society. Plato’s words continue to inspire, challenge, and provoke, providing a foundation for critical thinking and self-reflection. These 48 famous quotes from Plato represent just a glimpse into his vast intellectual legacy, serving as reminders of the power of wisdom and the enduring value of seeking truth.
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