The poets are only the interpreters of the gods.
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.
Beauty is the bait which with delight allures man to enlarge his kind.
As to marriage or celibacy, let a man take which course he will, he will be sure to repent.
I was really too honest a man to be a politician and live.
Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.
If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.
Worthless people live only to eat and drink; people of worth eat and drink only to live.
The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.
Once made equal to man, woman becomes his superior.
Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for god knows best what is good for us.
To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
By all means, marry. if you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.
Wisdom begins in wonder.
An honest man is always a child.
Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.
The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.
Beauty is a short-lived tyranny.
Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued.
A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.
He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy.
It is not living that matters, but living rightly.
Be as you wish to seem.
Beware the barrenness of a busy life.