Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
To conquer oneself is the best and noblest victory; to be vanquished by one's own nature is the worst and most ignoble defeat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mastering oneself is the highest achievement, while failing to control our nature leads to the greatest failure.
This quote by Plato emphasizes the importance of self-mastery over external victories. True success lies in overcoming our internal challenges and impulses, as being defeated by our own nature reflects a lack of discipline and virtue, while conquering ourselves is a mark of nobility and strength.
Themes
Self-MasteryVictorySelf-ControlPhilosophyVirtue
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech discussing self-improvement and personal growth.
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.
PlatoRead
...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
PlatoRead
Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
PlatoRead
Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
PlatoRead
Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
PlatoRead
Similar quotes
I don't believe in astrology. The only stars I can blame for my failures are those that walk about the stage.
Noel CowardRead
In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion; in order to serve others better, one has to hold them at a distance for a time. But where can one find the solitude necessary to vigor, the deep breath in which the mind collects itself and courage gauges its strength? There remain big cities.
Albert CamusRead
What if nothing exists and we're all in somebody's dream?
Woody AllenRead
All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. ... Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other doesn't. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you.
Carlos CastanedaRead
Something like fear chilled me as I sat there in the small hours alone-I say alone, for one who sits by a sleeper is indeed alone; perhaps more alone than he can realise.
H. P. LovecraftRead
David's Lord was made David's Son, and from the fruit of the promised branch sprang One without fault, the two-fold nature coming together in one Person, that by one and the same conception and birth might spring our Lord Jesus Christ, in Whom was present both true Godhead for the performance of mighty works and true Manhood for the endurance of sufferings.
Pope Leo IRead