In This Article
About Plato
Plato, one of the most influential philosophers in Western thought, left behind a rich legacy of wisdom and insight through his dialogues and writings. His quotes touch upon various aspects of life, knowledge, ethics, and governance, offering profound reflections that continue to resonate with readers across generations. Here are 100 of Plato’s top and most popular quotes, categorized by different topics.
50 Top Quotes by Plato in English
Here are 50 top and popular quotes by Plato, organized by various topics:
Plato Quotes on Knowledge
Plato’s quotes on knowledge delve into the nature of wisdom, learning, and understanding.
“Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.” – Plato
“The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself.” – Plato
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” – Plato
“The measure of a man is what he does with power.” – Plato
“Courage is knowing what not to fear.” – Plato
“Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.” – Plato
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” – Plato
“The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to yourself.” – Plato
“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” – Plato
“Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.” – Plato
Plato Quotes about Wisdom
Plato’s quotes about wisdom offer insights into the nature of true understanding and intellectual growth.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Plato
“At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.” – Plato
“He who commits injustice is ever made more wretched than he who suffers it.” – Plato
“Love is a serious mental disease.” – Plato
“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.” – Plato
“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” – Plato
“Courage is knowing what not to fear.” – Plato
“The measure of a man is what he does with power.” – Plato
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” – Plato
“There are three classes of men; lovers of wisdom, lovers of honor, and lovers of gain.” – Plato
Plato Quotes for Inspiration
Plato’s quotes for inspiration encourage individuals to seek truth, pursue virtue, and strive for excellence.
“Knowledge without justice ought to be called cunning rather than wisdom.” – Plato
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” – Plato
“The measure of a man is what he does with power.” – Plato
“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” – Plato
“Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.” – Plato
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” – Plato
“The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to yourself.” – Plato
“Love is a serious mental disease.” – Plato
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Plato
“Courage is knowing what not to fear.” – Plato
Plato Quotes on Ethics
Plato’s quotes on ethics explore the principles of morality, justice, and virtue.
“Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.” – Plato
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” – Plato
“The measure of a man is what he does with power.” – Plato
“Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.” – Plato
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Plato
“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” – Plato
“At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.” – Plato
“He who commits injustice is ever made more wretched than he who suffers it.” – Plato
“Love is a serious mental disease.” – Plato
“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.” – Plato
Plato Quotes on Politics
Plato’s quotes on politics offer insights into governance, democracy, and the ideal state.
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” – Plato
“The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to yourself.” – Plato
“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” – Plato
“Courage is knowing what not to fear.” – Plato
“The measure of a man is what he does with power.” – Plato
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Plato
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” – Plato
“The time is always right to do what is right.” – Plato
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Plato
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Plato
Conclusion
Plato’s quotes offer timeless wisdom and inspiration, guiding readers to seek knowledge, pursue wisdom, and uphold principles of justice and virtue in their lives.
FAQs:
- Who was Plato?
Plato was a Greek philosopher and the founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. He was a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle.
2. What were Plato’s main ideas?
Plato’s main ideas revolved around the pursuit of truth, the nature of reality, the concept of justice, the ideal state, and the importance of education in molding virtuous individuals.
3. What is Plato’s most famous work?
Plato’s most famous work is “The Republic,” where he explores the nature of justice, the ideal state, and the role of philosophy in governance.
4. What is Plato’s theory of forms?
Plato’s theory of forms posits that there exists a realm of ideal forms or ideas, of which the physical world is merelya flawed reflection. According to Plato, these forms are perfect, eternal, and unchanging, serving as the true source of knowledge and reality.
5. What is Plato’s contribution to philosophy?
Plato made significant contributions to philosophy in various areas, including epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political theory. His dialogues and writings continue to influence philosophical thought and debate to this day.
