Socrates

Whom do I call educated? First, those who manage well the circumstances they encounter day by day. Next, those who are decent and honorable in their intercourse with all men, bearing easily and good naturedly what is offensive in others and being as agreeable and reasonable to their associates as is humanly possible to be… those who hold their pleasures always under control and are not ultimately overcome by their misfortunes… those who are not spoiled by their successes, who do not desert their true selves but hold their ground steadfastly as wise and sober — minded men.

A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.

Call no man unhappy until he is married.

Remember, no human condition is ever permanent. Then you will not be overjoyed in good fortune nor too scornful in misfortune.

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

Happiness is unrepentant pleasure.

Liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedience without liberty is slavery.

There is nothing in the world like a persuasive speech to fuddle the mental apparatus.

Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.

The most dangerous people are those who have passion but lack wisdom.

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.

In eternity there is indeed something true and sublime. But all these times and places and occasions are now and here. God himself culminates in the present moment and will never be more divine in the lapse of the ages. Time is but a stream I go a-fishing in. I drink at it, but when I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. Its thin current slides away but eternity remains.

There are few virtues that the Poles do not possess and there are few errors they have ever avoided.

A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell.

The thirst for adventure is the vent which Destiny offers; a war, a crusade, a gold mine, a new country, speak to the imagination and offer swing and play to the confined powers.

The first half of life consists of the capacity to enjoy without the chance; the last half consists of the chance without the capacity.

Civilization is a limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities.

Every man is a consumer and ought to be a producer.

Choose people who lift you up.

Humility and knowledge in poor clothes excel pride and ignorance in costly attire.

Death comes to all, but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold.