I must first know myself, as the Delphian inscription says; to be curious about that which is not my concern, while I am still in ignorance of my own self, would be ridiculous. And therefore I bid farewell to all this; the common opinion is enough for me. For, as I was saying, I want to know not about this, but about myself: am I a monster more complicated and swollen with passion than the serpent Typho, or a creature of a gentler and simpler sort, to whom Nature has given a diviner and lowlier destiny?

What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them?

In every person there is a sun. Just let them shine.

Life without enquiry is not worth living for a man.

Living well and beautifully and justly are all one thing.

If I had engaged in politics, O men of Athens, I should have perished long ago, and done no good either to you or to myself.

They are not only idle who do nothing, but they are idle also who might be better employed.