Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
One trait in the philosopher's character we can assume is his love of the knowledge that reveals eternal reality, the realm unaffected by change and decay.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the philosopher's pursuit of eternal truths, which remain constant despite the changes in the physical world.
In this quote, Plato emphasizes a key aspect of a philosopher's character: the deep appreciation for knowledge that uncovers fundamental truths about reality. This knowledge transcends the transient and decaying nature of daily life, suggesting that true wisdom lies in grasping concepts that are stable and eternal. In contrast to the ever-changing facets of life, the philosopher seeks insights into a realm that remains unaffected by these fluctuations, indicating a quest for a deeper understanding of existence.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the nature of reality, one might quote this to highlight the importance of philosophical inquiry.
More from Plato
All quotes βNot 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.
Similar quotes
War and drink are the two things man is never too poor to buy.
I am a sick man...I am a spiteful man. I am an unattractive man. I think my liver is diseased. Then again, I don't know a thing about my illness; I'm not even sure what hurts.
I recently discussed with an intelligent and well-disposed man the threat of another war, which in my opinion would seriously endanger the existence of mankind, and I remarked that only a supranational organization would offer protection from that danger. Thereupon my visitor, very calmly and coolly, said to me: "Why are you so deeply opposed to the disappearance of the human race?".
No man should be alone when he opposes Satan. The Church and the ministry of the Word were instituted for this purpose, that hands may be joined together and one may help another.
I believe that in every country the people themselves are more peaceably and liberally inclined than their governments.
There are, and always have been, destructive pseudo-scientific notions linked to race and religion; these are the most widespread and damaging. Hopefully, educated people can succeed in shedding light into these areas of prejudice and ignorance, for as Voltaire once said: "Men will commit atrocities as long as they believe absurdities."