Wonder is the beginning of wisdom
Socrates (c. 470–399 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher who is often regarded as one of the founders of Western philosophy. Born in Athens, he is best known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge and critical questioning. Socrates did not write any texts himself; instead, his ideas were documented by his students, most notably Plato.
Central to Socratic thought is the Socratic method, a form of cooperative dialogue that encourages deep exploration of ideas through questioning. This technique challenged his contemporaries to think critically and examine their beliefs.
Among his enduring quotes, “The unexamined life is not worth living” encapsulates his belief in the necessity of introspection. Socrates’ commitment to seeking truth and virtue, even in the face of death, has left a lasting legacy, influencing countless philosophers and thinkers throughout history. His life and ideas continue to inspire discussions about morality, knowledge, and the human condition.
Understanding a question is half an answer.
No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.
The value of a man is measured in the number of those who stand beside him, not those who follow.
Only the extremely ignorant or the extremely intelligent can resist change.
Be the kind of person that you want people to think you are.
He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.
The greatest blessing granted to mankind come by way of madness, which is a divine gift.
If the whole world depends on today’s youth, I can’t see the world lasting another 100 years.
One should never do wrong in return, nor mistreat any man, no matter how one has been mistreated by him.
The greatest way to live with honour in this world is to be what we pretend to be.
Children nowadays are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannise their teachers.
When you want wisdom and insight as badly as you want to breathe, it is then you shall have it.
The highest realms of thought are impossible to reach without first attaining an understanding of compassion.
Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.
The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.
Nature has given us two ears, two eyes, and but one tongue-to the end that we should hear and see more than we speak.
How many are the things I can do without!
If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.
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.
What a lot of things there are a man can do without.
The beginning of wisdom is a definition of terms.
Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.
Falling down is not a failure. Failure comes when you stay where you have fallen.