Plato:
(Athens, c. 427 BC – there, 347 BC).
Greek philosopher and writer. Plato was a pupil of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle. He became one of the influential thinkers in Western philosophy and was the founder of the Athenian Akademeia, the first institution of higher learning in the West. He wrote dialogues on various topics and with his Theory of Ideas became the patriarch of metaphysical realism, in which visible reality consists of imperfect reflections of universals existing in an upper world. It remains to be seen to what extent Plato’s own views are known, as he nowhere speaks on his own behalf, often raises questions without answering them and is not always consistent.
No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.
The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom.
Don’t force your children into your ways, for they were created for a time different from your own.
The beginning is the most important part of the work.
The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.
Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.
Wise men speak because they have something to say.
