Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character.
HeraclitusRead
It is better to hide ignorance, but it is hard to do this when we relax over wine.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that it is wise to conceal one's ignorance, though alcohol can impair our ability to do so.
Heraclitus highlights the challenge of maintaining an air of knowledge and confidence when in relaxed situations, such as drinking wine. The temptation to speak freely can expose one's ignorance, suggesting the need for self-awareness and caution in social settings.
Themes
IgnoranceWisdomSelf-AwarenessSocialWine
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about philosophy at a dinner party, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of being mindful of our discussions.
More from Heraclitus
All quotes βThinking is a sacred disease and sight is deceptive.
HeraclitusRead
Things of which there is sight, hearing, apprehension, these I prefer.
HeraclitusRead
Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.
HeraclitusRead
For when is death not within our selves? And as Heracleitus says: βLiving and dead are the same, and so are awake and asleep, young and old. The former when shifted are the latter, and again the latter when shifted are the former."
HeraclitusRead
Whosoever wishes to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details. Knowledge is not intelligence. In searching for the truth be ready for the unexpected. Change alone is unchanging. The same road goes both up and down. The beginning of a circle is also its end. Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in season.
HeraclitusRead
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