Socrates

I was afraid that by observing objects with my eyes and trying to comprehend them with each of my other senses I might blind my soul altogether.

From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate.

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

The end of life is to be like God, and the soul following God will be like Him.

Whenever, therefore, people are deceived and form opinions wide of the truth, it is clear that the error has slid into their minds through the medium of certain resemblances to that truth.

What a lot of things there are a man can do without.

You’ll never have a quiet world until you knock the patriotism out of the human race.

Independence? That’s middle class blasphemy. We are all dependent on one another, every soul of us on earth.

The wise know that foolish legislation is a rope of sand, which perishes in the twisting.

None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.

Time will bring to light whatever is hidden; it will cover up and conceal what is now shining in splendor.

All colors will agree in the dark.

We must set up a strong present tense against all rumors of wrath, past and to come.

The beginning is the most important part of the work.

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

When you know to laugh and when to look upon things as too absurd to take seriously, the other person is ashamed to carry through even if he was serious about it.

Personally, I’m always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.

The quieter you become, you more you are able to hear.

To keep your secret is wisdom, but to expect others to keep it is folly.

What do we call love, hate, charity, revenge, humanity, forgiveness? Different results of the master impulse, the necessity of securing one’s self-approval.

The artists must be sacrificed to their art. Like the bees, they must put their lives into the sting they give.