It’s astounding sometimes how well the ancient philosophers understood that some things in life just don’t change. While we may not agree with every one of them on all their beliefs and ideas, one thing we can be sure of is that history repeats itself. They advised on everything from politics to how to truly enjoy life and much (if not all) of their advice can be applied to many situations today.
If we really listen and gain understanding from their works, we will be able to solve a lot of our problems. The funny part about philosophy though is that it is ambiguous. If you believe that your thoughts and understanding are righteous, then your perspective will find purpose in the words regardless of accuracy. We all like to think that we are on the side of good and sometimes we are farther from it than we can accept.
PLUTO
Born: 427 BC – Died: 347 BC
Of particular focus in this post are Plato’s writings of goodness, beauty, justice, equality, and changelessness. Timeless quotes that speak to the beauty of life and people.
Keep in mind that some links are paid affiliate links. When you buy through these links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Any opinions expressed are not impacted by this.
Wise men speak because they have something to say;
Fools because they have to say something.
The punishment which the wise suffer
who refuse to take part in the government,
is to live under the government of worse men.
Thinking: the talking of the soul with itself.
Life must be lived as play.
When men speak ill of thee,
live so as nobody may believe them.
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.
Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.
Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.
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.
Courage is knowing what not to fear.
Knowledge becomes evil if the aim be not virtuous.
The learning and knowledge that we have, is, at the most, but little compared with that of which we are ignorant.
Ready to Wander?
Modern Times
12 quotes that make you question if they’re actually ancient, as they address modern issues and current affairs.
On Multitasking
One man cannot practice many arts with success.
As my grandmother would say, “everyone is not your friend.”
Any man may easily do harm, but not every man can do good to another.
Just going to sit this one right here and say
1776 – 1865
Excess of liberty, whether it lies in state or individuals, seems only to pass into excess of slavery.
Deadbeat Dads
No man should bring children into the world who is unwilling to persevere to the end in their nature and education.
The Game of Life
The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.
He even knew about BBQ Becky.
Justice means minding one's own business and not meddling with other men's concerns.
Ahem, cough, Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
They certainly give very strange names to diseases.
Oh my, on faux news
Honesty is for the most part less profitable than dishonesty.
Louder for the folks in back.
Rhetoric is the art of ruling the minds of men.
Always watch for silence to know who your allies are.
To be sure I must; and therefore, I may assume that your silence gives consent.
Now, how did he know about the American 2 Party System???
To prefer evil to good is not in human nature; and when a man is compelled to choose one of two evils, no one will choose the greater when he might have the less.
Well, I’ll be darned…
The measure of a man is what he does with power. Tyranny naturally arises out of democracy.
Notice that I did not say a word about that last one. Whether we agree on the issues or not, the timelessness of the ideas regarding them is undeniable. If nothing more, they are great quotes to ponder during your next nature walk.
Happy Wandering! (and wondering)
Ready to Wander?
Try one of my favorite resources!
Very thought provoking…beautiful insight!