Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
They assembled together and dedicated these as the first-fruits of their love to Apollo in his Delphic temple, inscribing there those maxims which are on every tongue- 'know thyselP and 'Nothing overmuch.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes self-knowledge and moderation as essential virtues.
In this quote, Plato highlights the importance of self-awareness and balance in life. 'Know thyself' encourages individuals to seek understanding of their own nature, strengths, and weaknesses, while 'Nothing overmuch' serves as a reminder to practice moderation in all things. Together, these maxims present a philosophical approach to living well, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from inner knowledge and a measured lifestyle.
Themes
Self-KnowledgeModerationWisdomPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire discussions during philosophy classes.
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.
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
That's one of the greatest curses ever inflicted on the human race, memory.
OvidRead
If two angels were to receive at the same moment a commission from God, one to go down and rule earth’s grandest empire, the other to go and sweep the streets of its meanest village, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each which service fell to his lot, the post of ruler or the post of scavenger; for the joy of the angels lies only in obedience to God’s will, and with equal joy they would lift a Lazarus in his rags to Abraham’s bosom, or be a chariot of fire to carry an Elijah home.
John NewtonRead
It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.
Benjamin FranklinRead
We may lose our memory as we get older, but this might not be such a bad thing - who wants to drag a mental junkyard around at a time of life when you're starting to grow interesting little wings?
Michael LeunigRead
The Bible is the proper book for men. There the truth is distinguished from error far more clearly than anywhere else, and one finds something new in it every day. For twenty-eight years, since I became a doctor, I have now constantly read and preached the Bible; and yet I have not exhausted it but find something new in it every day.
Martin LutherRead
If at times our actions seem to make life difficult for others, it is only because history has made life difficult for us all.
John F. KennedyRead