By education I mean that training in excellence from youth upward which makes a man passionately desire to be a perfect citizen, and teaches him to rule, and to obey, with justice. This is the only education which deserves the name.

My plainness of speech makes people hate me, and what is their hatred but a proof that I am speaking the truth.

Musical innovation is full of danger to the State, for when modes of music change, the laws of the State always change with them.

Of all the Gods, Love is the best friend of humankind, the helper and healer of all ills that stand in the way of human happiness.

There is a ... matter - much more valuable and divine than natural philosophy . ... On this matter I must speak to you in enigmas.

Watch a man at play for an hour and you can learn more about him than in talking to him for a year.

Time on its back bears all things far away - Full many a challenge is wrought by many a day - Shape, fortune, name, and nature all decay