Wisdom begins in wonder.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is a habit.

Envy is the ulcer of the soul.

The individual leads in order that those who are led can develop their potential as human beings and thereby prosper.

Beauty comes first. Victory is secondary. What matters is joy.

Listen not to a tale-bearer or slanderer, for he tells thee nothing out of good-will; but as he discovereth of the secrets of others, so he will of thine in turn.

When you want wisdom and insight as badly as you want to breathe, it is then you shall have it.

If I save my insight, I don't attend to weakness of eyesight.

Virtue does not come from wealth, but wealth, and every other good thing which men have comes from virtue.

An unexamined life is not worth living.

God would seem to indicate to us and not allow us to doubt that these beautiful poems are not human, or the work of man, but divine and the work of God; and that the poets are only the interpreters of the Gods.

Having the fewest wants, I am nearest to the gods.

For the poet is a light and winged and holy thing, and there is no invention in him until he has been inspired and is out of his senses, and the mind is no longer in him: when he has not attained to this state, he is powerless and is unable to utter his oracles.

Why should we pay so much attention to what 'most people' think? The really reasonable people, who have more claim to be considered, will believe that the facts are exactly as they are.

Aren't you ashamed to be concerned so much about making all the money you can and advancing your reputation and prestige, while for truth and wisdom and the improvement of your souls you have no thought or car?

I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.

He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.

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

Know thyself.

To them, I said, the truth would be literally nothing but the shadows of the images.