The invention of writing will produce forgetfulness in the minds of those who learn to use it, because they will not practice their memory. Their trust in writing, produced by external characters which are no part of themselves, will discourage the use of their own memory within them. You have invented an elixir not of memory, but of reminding; and you offer your pupils the appearance of wisdom, not true wisdom.

People learn more on their own rather than being force fed.

The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they alone knew everything and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness with them. As for girls, they are forward, immodest and unwomanly in speech, behaviour and dress.

There is no greater magnificence than to defeat oneself. That is the magnificence.

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.

He said that there was one only good, namely, knowledge; and one only evil, namely, ignorance.

The more I know, the more I know that I don't know.