We are in fact convinced that if we are ever to have pure knowledge of anything, we must get rid of the body and contemplate things by themselves with the soul by itself. It seems, to judge from the argument, that the wisdom which we desire and upon which we profess to have set our hearts will be attainable only when we are dead and not in our lifetime.

But already it is time to depart, for me to die, for you to go on living; which of us takes the better course, is concealed from anyone except God.

Flattery is like friendship in show, but not in fruit.

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.

I know what I do not know.

The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.

Are you not ashamed of your eagerness to possess as much wealth, reputation, and honors as possible, while you do not care for nor give thought to wisdom or truth, or the best possible state of your soul?