Either we shall find what it is we are seeking or at least we shall free ourselves from the persuasion that we know what we do not know.

And the true order of going, or being led by another, to the things of love, is to begin from the beauties of earth.

And first he will see the shadows best, next the reflections of men and other objects in the water, and then the objects themselves, then he will gaze upon the light of the moon and the stars and the spangled heaven...Last of all he will be able to see the sun.

Athenian men, I respect and love you, but I shall obey the god rather than you.

For the rhapsode ought to interpret the mind of the poet to his hearers, but how can he interpret him well unless he knows what he means?

If the head and the body are to be well, you must begin by curing the soul.

Even the gods love jokes.