Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
The democratic youth lives along day by day, gratifying the desire that occurs to him, at one time drinking and listening to the flute, at another downing water and reducing, now practicing gymnastic, and again idling and neglecting everything; and sometimes spending his time as though he were occupied in philosophy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the diverse and sometimes aimless pursuits of youth.
In this quote, Plato observes that the essence of youth is characterized by a constant shift between various activities, ranging from indulgence in pleasures like drinking and listening to music, to engaging in physical fitness or philosophical contemplation. This fluctuation symbolizes the exploration of identity and purpose that young people experience as they seek fulfillment and self-discovery, often without a clear direction.
Themes
YouthExplorationIndulgencePhilosophyIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the importance of allowing teenagers to explore different interests, this quote could illustrate the diversity of their experiences.
More from Plato
All quotes →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.
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...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
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Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
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Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
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Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
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