Through your rags I see your vanity.
socratesquotes
c. 469 – 399 BC
Little is known about the actual life of Athenian philosopher, Socrates (c. 469–399 BC), but his methodologies and ideas have had immeasurable influence on both ancient and modern philosophy. Socrates wrote nothing down, he founded no school and formed no sect, and yet he is famous for developing the Socratic Method, which provided the groundwork for Western logic and philosophy.
What we know of him comes mostly from the writings of two of his famous students, Plato and Xenophon. They write of his unrelenting courage in three Peloponnesian wars and throughout his entire life, even unto death, where against the urging of his students he does not flee his condemnation to death by poisoning, but embraces it fearlessly. We learn of his vast humility and poverty, and deep concern for the intellectual development of Athenian youth.
For Socrates, the world was divided into two realms: the world of senses and the world of ideas. He believed the latter held more importance, and encouraged dialectic discussions to help people form logical conclusions. Socrates believed creating an ethical system of rule based on human reasoning would improve the good of society more than any theological doctrine.
Socrates did not call himself a teacher because, he said, he had no ideas of his own. According to his students, he offered no answers but always inquired. He spoke to the elite and the commoner alike to better understand definitions of values. For this ancient man of mystery, the understanding of one’s own ignorance was truly the beginning of wisdom.
Esteemed friend, citizen of Athens, the greatest city in the world, so outstanding in both intelligence and power, aren’t you ashamed to care so much to make all the money you can, and to advance your reputation and prestige – while for truth and wisdom and the improvement of your soul you have no care or worry?
care / Intelligence / power / reputation / soul
All men’s souls are immortal, but the souls of the righteous are immortal and divine.
The greatest blessing granted to mankind come by way of madness, which is a divine gift.
Children nowadays are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannise their teachers.
My friend care for your psyche know thyself, for once we know ourselves, we may learn how to care for ourselves.
He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.
If a man comes to the door of poetry untouched by the madness of the Muses, believing that technique alone will make him a good poet, he and his sane compositions never reach perfection, but are utterly eclipsed by the performances of the inspired madman.
compositions / inspired / madness / Muses / poetry
Life contains but two tragedies. One is not to get your heart’s desire; the other is to get it.
In all of us, even in good men, there is a lawless wild-beast nature, which peers out in sleep.