In order that the mind should see light instead of darkness, so the entire soul must be turned away from this changing world, until its eye can learn to contemplate reality and that supreme splendor which we have called the good. Hence there may well be an art whose aim would be to effect this very thing.

Is it not, then, better to be ridiculous and friendly than clever and hostile?

Men of Athens, I honor and love you; but I shall obey God rather than you, and while I have life and strength I shall never cease from the practice and teaching of philosophy.

In childhood be modest, in youth temperate, in adulthood just, and in old age prudent.

When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser.

Give me beauty in the inward soul; and may the outward and inward may be one.

The unexamined life is not worth living.