Socrates Quotes

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.

One should never do wrong in return, nor mistreat any man, no matter how one has been mistreated by him.

Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of — for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.

Those who are hardest to love need it the most.

The easiest and noblest way is not to be crushing others, but to be improving yourselves.

He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be content to take their own and depart.

In all of us, even in good men, there is a lawless wild-beast nature, which peers out in sleep.

I only know that I know nothing

Is it true; is it kind, or is it necessary?

The greatest blessing granted to mankind come by way of madness, which is a divine gift.

All I know is that I do not know anything

Children nowadays are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannise their teachers.

Be of good cheer about death, and know this of a truth, that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.

Wealth does not bring about virtue but virtue makes wealth and everything else good for men, both individually and collectively.