Find the good. Seek the Unity. Ignore the divisions among us.

Tyrants preserve themselves by sowing fear and mistrust among the citizens by means of spies, by distracting them with foreign wars, by eliminating men of spirit who might lead a revolution, by humbling the people, and making them incapable of decisive action.

Such an event is probable in Agathon's sense of the word: 'it is probable,' he says, 'that many things should happen contrary to probability.'

Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.

It will contribute towards one's object, who wishes to acquire a facility in the gaining of knowledge, to doubt judiciously.

He who thus considers things in their first growth and origin ... will obtain the clearest view of them.

Prayers and sacrifices are of no avail.