Everything in excess usually awakens a sudden change on the opposite side, either in the state of the weather, or in the plants, or in the body. No less can he observe this in the state organization.
Everything that is called good is bad to the foolish. The use of writing installs forgetfulness in the soul.
If the opposites that are born did not balance each other, as if describing a circle, if the birth proceeded in a straight line, in one direction and never turned back, in the opposite direction, all they would eventually be identical, have the same characteristics, and birth would cease.
If I call someone nearby a scoundrel, I will have to fear that they will do me some harm.
True opinion leads us to right action no less than reason.
Every soul strives for good, and for its sake is ready for anything; he feels that there is something of this kind, but it is difficult for him and he does not have enough power and what it consists of.
When we want to search for something we do not yet know, we become better, braver and more active than those who say that what is unknown cannot be found and there is no point in seeking.
When some think in one way, and others in another way, then there is no longer a common opinion, and each inevitably despises the other for the way he thinks.
Excessive passion for philosophy is harmful.
Total ignorance is not the greatest evil: the accumulation of poorly assimilated knowledge is even worse.
It is easier to please the hearers by speaking of the nature of gods than of men. Passion is the lure of evil.
Any question can be answered, if the question is asked correctly.
We actually know nothing.
We should not leave gold as an inheritance to children, but more common sense.
No one sets out to do the same thing as before if they can do something better in the future.
The foundation of all wisdom is patience.
It seems that it is not in man's nature to, on his own initiative, choose evil instead of good; when men are forced to choose between two evils, no one will naturally choose the greater, if there is an opportunity to choose the lesser.
The poet, if he wants to be a true poet, must create myths, and do not judge.
Before reprimanding someone for something, Plato recommends asking yourself: "But am I not the same?". Thus, nagging turns into indulgence.
Nothing bad happens to a good person either during life or after death.
The best thing is neither war nor internal armed strife: it is terrible when the need of these is felt; peace is universal friendship. It makes no sense to ask the one who wants to be happy why he wants it.
There is only one currency - reason, and in exchange for it everything must be given: only in this case will there be sincerity and courage, and thoughtful judgment and justice, in a word, genuine virtue; it is combined with reason, whether accompanied by pleasure or not.
When you are experienced, even your days are artfully directed; when you are not experienced, your days are at the capricious will of chance.
The man who has made a fool of himself is the most despicable of men.
To gain the sympathy of friends and acquaintances in the relations of life, we must value their services more highly than they do themselves; and conversely, the services rendered by us must be considered more insignificant than our friends and acquaintances affirm.
No relationship between people is worthless without friendship.
Wealth and fame give you no value.
To be below yourself is to be ignorant, to be above yourself is to be wise
Strive to dress with distinction, but not elegantly; distinction is the sign of decency, and elegance is the sign of excess.
If I could ascend to the highest place in Athens, I would raise my voice and say: "My fellow citizens, why do you overturn and scratch every stone to gather riches, and care so little for your children, who in -one wonderful day they will inherit everything?"