Plato, a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle, is one of the pivotal figures in the development of Western philosophy. His thoughts have transcended the boundaries of ancient Greece to touch the souls and minds of people all over the world.
Plato’s real name was Aristocles—’Plato’ was a nickname derived from the Greek word “platos,” which means broad, referring to his robust physique or perhaps his wide breadth of knowledge.
Below are 40 profound quotes by Plato that are less about antiquity and more about the eternal truths of knowledge, reality, and justice.
Table of the Best Plato Quotes
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
Starting something new sets the tone for what you’re about to achieve. Whether it’s a project, a journey, or a novel idea, the initial steps are crucial. Plato encourages us to invest our best efforts right from the start, igniting passion and commitment that can sustain us through challenges.
“Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.”
True learning comes from curiosity and love for knowledge, not force. Being coerced into learning often results in superficial understanding, void of depth and personal connection. Plato emphasizes that genuine interest is key to deep comprehension.
“At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.”
Love has the power to transform us profoundly. It stirs emotions and evokes creativity, making even the most rational person see the world through poetic lenses. Plato reminds us that love brings out the best in us, inspiring beauty and creativity.
“Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.”
Our actions are directed by what we crave, feel, and know. Understanding this trifecta helps in comprehending human motives and behavior. Plato’s insight is a call to balance these elements in our lives for a harmonious existence.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Reflecting on one’s life is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. Plato champions the importance of introspection and self-examination as tools for living a meaningful life. Without it, we risk walking through life blindly, missing its true essence.
“Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.”
There’s a clear distinction between knowing something and merely having an opinion about it. Opinions fill the gaps where our knowledge may be lacking, but they should not be mistaken for facts. Plato prompts us to seek true understanding and not settle for mere opinions.
“Justice means minding your own business and not meddling with other men’s concerns.”
Justice, according to Plato, is about focusing on one’s own roles and responsibilities without interfering in others’ affairs. It’s a philosophy of respecting boundaries and promoting social harmony by ensuring everyone does what they’re best suited to.
“Courage is knowing what not to fear.”
True bravery lies in understanding the nature of fear—what merit it holds and what it doesn’t. Plato elucidates that courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear but the discernment of unnecessary fears and the resolve to confront legitimate ones.
“Knowledge without justice ought to be called cunning rather than wisdom.”
Wisdom is the integration of knowledge with justice; the ability to apply what we know in fair and equitable ways. Plato admonishes us to use our intellect not for manipulative ends but for just and righteous purposes.
“Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.”
Positive deeds not only fortify our own character but also encourage those around us to act righteously. Through leading by example, Plato teaches that our virtuous actions ripple outwards, affecting a broader community.
“The measure of a man is what he does with power.”
Power reveals true character. Plato asserts that a person’s integrity and values become visible when they’re in positions of authority. It’s a call to wield influence with responsibility and moral uprightness.
“A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.”
Quantitative data does not always lead to qualitative results. Plato prioritizes informed decision-making founded in understanding and wisdom over mere statistical analysis.
“Education is teaching our children to desire the right things.”
True education instills values and desires for virtuous living. Plato’s perspective is that learning should shape not only minds but also hearts, leading children to value what is good and just.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
Contentment is the ultimate richness. Plato’s wisdom here directs us to seek satisfaction not in material abundance but in simplicity and sufficiency, cultivating gratitude for what we have.
“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.”
Fear of the unknown is natural in youth, but fear of truth and enlightenment is regrettable in adulthood. Plato’s observation encourages us to embrace knowledge and understanding rather than shy away from them.
“He who is not a good servant will not be a good master.”
Humility and service are foundational to good leadership. Plato’s teaching underscores the importance of understanding subordination before shouldering leadership, promoting empathy and fairness in those who lead.
“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.”
The formative years are critical. Plato asserts that initial educational direction significantly influences life outcomes, emphasizing the importance of a solid, value-based foundation.
“Bodily exercise, when compulsory, does no harm to the body; but knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.”
Physical training can benefit us even when forced, but intellectual learning requires voluntary engagement to be truly effective. Plato differentiates between the impacts of coercion in physical and mental exercises.
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.”
Genuine wisdom speaks out of necessity and depth, whereas foolishness gabbles without purpose. Plato encourages mindful communication, promoting speaking with intent and understanding.
“People are like dirt. They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person, or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die.”
The people we surround ourselves with have profound effects on our personal development. Plato likens human influence to soil, urging us to seek relationships that foster growth and positivity.
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”
Play reveals true character. In times of leisure and relaxation, our genuine selves emerge. Plato’s insight highlights the value of informal interaction in understanding people.
“The soul takes nothing with her to the next world but her education and culture.”
Material possessions remain behind, but our learned wisdom and cultivated culture travel with us. Plato’s quote emphasizes the eternal value of knowledge and the soul’s acquisitions.
“Never discourage anyone… who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.”
Progress, irrespective of its pace, is significant. Plato invites us to encourage even the smallest steps towards growth, nurturing continuous improvement and persistence.
“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”
Apathy in civic duties paves the way for corrupt governance. Plato warns against ignoring public affairs, advocating for active and responsible participation in the governance structure.
“Cunning…is but the low mimic of wisdom.”
There’s a crucial difference between true wisdom and mere cleverness. Plato separates genuine knowledge from cunning trickery, valuing honesty and integrity over calculated schemes.
“Excess generally causes reaction, and produces a change in the opposite direction.”
Imbalance breeds counterbalance. Plato’s observation on excesses implies that extremes often lead to opposite results, advocating for moderation and balance in all things.
“The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself.”
Self-mastery is the pinnacle of triumph. Plato’s aphorism emphasizes internal over external victories—conquering personal flaws and weaknesses is the most significant achievement.
“An empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers.”
Those lacking in substance often speak the loudest. Plato’s analogy suggests that true wisdom is often quiet and reserved, different from the loud boastfulness of ignorance.
“Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.”
True beauty lies in simplicity. Plato sees elegance in unadorned, harmonious simplicity, whether in art, style, or living—a call to appreciate and embody the simple magnificence.
“Necessity…the mother of invention.”
Innovation springs from need. Plato identifies necessity as a key driver of human creativity and invention, encouraging an adaptive and flexible problem-solving approach.
“Attention to health is life’s greatest hindrance.”
Obsessing over health can impinge on the quality of living. Plato’s perspective advocates for a balanced approach to health, promoting wellness without becoming overly consumed by it.
“The greatest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to yourself.”
Avoiding leadership roles can lead to being governed ineffectively. Plato asserts that capable individuals should assume leadership to prevent incompetence.
“We are twice armed if we fight with faith.”
Belief fortifies us doubly. Plato suggests that fighting for what we genuinely believe in enhances our strength and resolution, making our efforts more potent.
“The object of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful.”
Education should reveal beauty and truth, fostering a love for the good and the noble. Plato sees education as a means to elevate our appreciation for the finer aspects of life.
“To love rightly is to love what is orderly and beautiful in an educated and disciplined way.”
Proper love aligns with order and grace. Plato’s view of love encompasses both emotional and intellectual harmony, emphasizing discipline in expressing genuine affection.
“Wealth…is a great reality except in poverty; all other things people talk about are ghostly.”
Wealth has its tangible advantages, especially compared to scarcity. Plato acknowledges the practical benefits of wealth but subtly notes the ephemeral quality of other pursuits in comparison.
“Time is the moving image of eternity.”
Time mirrors eternity. Plato views time as a temporal reflection of an eternal reality, inviting contemplation on the nature of existence and the infinite.
“Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.”
Reiterating the value of thoughtful speech, Plato advises mindful communication. Wisdom speaks out of necessity and insight, unlike the empty noise of folly.
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”
Music transcends mere sound—it enriches existence. Plato ties music to moral essence and creative flexibility
, highlighting its profound impact on life and the soul.
Conclude your journey into timeless wisdom
Plato’s quotes remain remarkably relevant, offering deep insights that continue to inspire and guide us. Share these timeless truths with your loved ones and bookmark our site for your journey through life’s philosophical questions.
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