Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
To be curious about that which is not one's concern while still in ignorance of oneself is ridiculous.
Interpretation
It's foolish to be interested in matters that do not concern you while being unaware of your own self.
This quote by Plato emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the folly of being overly curious about external issues without first understanding oneself. It suggests that true wisdom begins with introspection and an awareness of one's own thoughts and feelings, rather than being distracted by the concerns of others.
In practice
In a philosophical discussion about priorities in life, I would quote Plato to remind others to focus on self-awareness.
Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
Not one of them who took up in his youth with this opinion that there are no gods ever continued until old age faithful to his conviction.
...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
You can cut down a tree with a hammer, but it takes about 30 days. If you trade the hammer for an ax, you can cut it down in about 30 minutes. The difference between 30 days and 30 minutes is skills.
Say the truth even if it may be bitter.
From the body of the unborn essence arises the sphere of light, and from that sphere of light arises wisdom. From the wisdom arises the seed syllable and from the seed syllable arises the complete Mandala, the deity and the retinue.
Modesty is of no use to a beggar.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
I truly feel the best doctors are ones who are criticized by nurses, patients and family. They do not make excuses and learn from their mistakes.
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