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16 Pearls of Wisdom from Socrates

By: Natalia J.

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Often referred to as the father of Western Philosophy, Socrates was an Ancient Greek philosopher who lived in the city of Athens between 470 and 399 BC. Today, Socrates is one of the most recognized figures in history, but when he was alive, he was considered kind of a rebel. Unlike most philosophers of the era, Socrates was reluctant to write down his teachings, for example, and most of what we know about this great figure in history comes from his gifted students, especially Plato.

However, the attitudes of others didn't stop him from becoming one of the greatest and most-quoted minds in history. Many major western inventions, such as the scientific method itself, are said to be inspired by Socrates’ way of approaching a dialogue and argumentation known as the Socratic method. Socrates also stood out from other Greek philosophers claiming that the goal of philosophy was to reach practical conclusions that would be used for the greater well-being of society instead of focusing on theoretical truths.

The 16 quotes we’re about to share with you showcase this practicality, which is exactly why we can relate to them and use his advice even today!

1. "Wisdom begins in wonder."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates "Wisdom begins in wonder"

2. "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

Related Article: 17 Wise Quotes from Ancient Greek Philosophers

3. "False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.

4. "Be slow to fall into friendship, but when you are in, continue firm and constant."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates Be slow to fall into friendship, but when you are in, continue firm and constant.

Related Article: 25 Quotes on Anything You Can Think of As Shared by Plato

5. "The unexamined life is not worth living."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates The unexamined life is not worth living.

6. "The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.

7. "Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows best what is good for us."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows best what is good for us.

8. "In childhood be modest, in youth temperate, in adulthood just, and in old age prudent."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates In childhood be modest, in youth temperate, in adulthood just, and in old age prudent.

9. "There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.

10. "Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.

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

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

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

Words of Wisdom from Socrates "He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature."

13. "Nature has given us two ears, two eyes, and but one tongue-to the end that we should hear and see more than we speak."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates Nature has given us two ears, two eyes, and but one tongue-to the end that we should hear and see more than we speak.

14. "Those who are hardest to love, need it the most."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates Those who are hardest to love, need it the most.

15. "Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat.

16. "He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have."

Words of Wisdom from Socrates He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.

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