Quotes from Socrates

Life contains but two tragedies. One is not to get your heart's desire; the other is to get it.

Envy is the ulcer of the soul.

I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.

True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.

The greatest way to live with honour in this world is to be what we pretend to be.

Be nicer than necessary to everyone you meet. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle.

From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate.

Once made equal to man, woman becomes his superior.

My friend...care for your psyche...know thyself, for once we know ourselves, we may learn how to care for ourselves" -Socrates

If you want to be a good saddler, saddle the worst horse; for if you can tame one, you can tame all.

The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.

I pray Thee, O God, that I may be beautiful within.

One should never do wrong in return, nor mistreat any man, no matter how one has been mistreated by him.

If a man comes to the door of poetry untouched by the madness of the Muses, believing that technique alone will make him a good poet, he and his sane compositions never reach perfection, but are utterly eclipsed by the performances of the inspired madman.

Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of -- for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.

The really important thing is not to live, but to live well. And to live well meant, along with more enjoyable things in life, to live according to your principles.

The easiest and noblest way is not to be crushing others, but to be improving yourselves.

Those who are hardest to love need it the most.

He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

In all of us, even in good men, there is a lawless wild-beast nature, which peers out in sleep.

If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be content to take their own and depart.

I only know that I know nothing

The greatest blessing granted to mankind come by way of madness, which is a divine gift.

Is it true; is it kind, or is it necessary?