The ancient Greek philosophers have long been celebrated for their wisdom and thought-provoking insights. Their words have inspired many generations, and their quotes are still applicable to our lives today. From the famous lyrical musings of Socrates to the practical advice of Aristotle, many of these quotations can bring us comfort and guidance when we need it most. This collection of quotes by some of the most influential Greek philosophers will provide you with insight into a variety of topics including life, love, knowledge, friendship and more.”Know thyself” – Socrates
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing” – Socrates
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light” – Plato
“Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others” – Plato
“There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance” – Socrates
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light” – Aristotle
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work” – Aristotle
Epicurus Quotes
Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher and sage who founded Epicureanism, a highly influential school of philosophy. He was born circa 341 BCE in Samos, an island in the Aegean Sea. Epicurus’ teachings were based on the idea that pleasure was the greatest good, and his views on life and death were heavily influenced by his study of atomism. Epicurus is famous for his many wise quotes which still resonate today. Here are some of his most memorable quotes:
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
“It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us, as the confidence of their help.”
“The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.”
“Empty is the argument of the philosopher which does not relieve any human suffering.”
“Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist.”
“The art of living well and the art of dying well are one.”
“Pleasure is our first and kindred good. It is the starting point of every choice and of every aversion.”
Socrates Quotes
Socrates was one of the most influential Greek philosophers of all time. His teachings and ideas have been studied for centuries and his quotes still inspire people today. Socrates taught that knowledge is power, and that wisdom is gained by questioning the things we think we know. Here are some of his most famous quotes:
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.”
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
“He is richest who is content with the least, for contentment is the wealth of nature.”
“The wisest man knows he knows nothing.”
These quotes are just a few examples of Socrates’ teachings, but they provide insight into his philosophy and how it can be applied to our lives today. It’s a reminder that wisdom comes from questioning our beliefs and not taking anything for granted.
Plato Quotes
Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher who is widely considered to be one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy. He is renowned for his vast body of work, which includes the celebrated dialogues The Republic and Symposium. Plato’s work has had a lasting influence on Western culture and has been quoted by countless prominent figures throughout history. Here are some of Plato’s most famous quotes:
“Know thyself.” – Plato
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Plato
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” – Plato
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” – Plato
“Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.” – Plato
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” – Plato
“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” – Plato
“Education is teaching our children to desire the right things.” – Plato
Aristotle Quotes
Aristotle was a great philosopher and scientist whose works have had a lasting influence on modern thought. His quotes are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. Here are some of Aristotle’s most famous quotes that provide insight into his thinking:
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” This quote is a reminder that we should not be too quick to accept a belief or idea, but instead should engage in thoughtful contemplation before coming to any decision.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” This quote highlights the importance of establishing good habits and routines in order to achieve excellence. It also emphasizes the idea that success is not something that happens overnight, but rather something that takes time and dedication to achieve.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” This quote encourages us to spend time reflecting on who we are and what our values and goals are in life. It reminds us that self-knowledge is one of the most important aspects of living a successful life.
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” This quote speaks to the power of art and its ability to capture deeper truths about human experience beyond just physical appearances.
Finally, “No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.” This quote reminds us that creativity often comes from pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box in order to find new solutions or perspectives.
Heraclitus Quotes
Heraclitus was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who is known for his famous quotes. He believed that change is constant and that a person should strive to maintain balance in life. Many of Heraclitus’ quotes are still relevant today, providing insight into how we can live our lives more fully and joyfully. Here are some of his most famous quotes:
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” This quote speaks to the idea that everything is constantly changing, making it important to stay mindful of our surroundings and appreciate each moment as it passes.
“The road up and the road down is one and the same.” This quote speaks to Heraclitus’ belief that there are two sides to every situation, good and bad, but ultimately both lead us in the same direction. It reminds us to be open-minded when faced with difficult situations and see them as opportunities for growth.
“Character is destiny.” This quote speaks to Heraclitus’ belief that our character shapes our destiny. It reminds us that we should strive to act with integrity in all aspects of our lives if we want to create a better future for ourselves.
“The sun is new each day.” This quote speaks to Heraclitus’ idea that change is constant, even if it’s often imperceptible. It serves as a reminder that we can always start fresh each day and make positive changes in our lives if we are willing to take action.
Zeno of Citium Quotes
Zeno of Citium was a Greek philosopher and the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy. He was renowned for his wisdom and teachings, which have been preserved in a number of quotes. Here are some of Zeno’s most famous sayings:
“We should not give up our desire for pleasure, but rather learn to control it.”
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”
“The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world, is to be in reality what we would appear to be.”
“If you would have a thing well done, do it yourself.”
“It takes a wise man to discover a wise man.”
“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
“No great thing is created suddenly; any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit and then ripen.”
The Nature of the Universe
Pythagoras believed in the idea that the universe was composed of numbers and mathematical relationships. He used mathematics to explain natural phenomena, such as the motions of the stars and planets. He believed that numbers were the basis for all things, and that understanding them could help us understand and control our environment. Pythagoras also believed that an orderly, harmonious universe could be created through mathematics. He proposed that all matter was made up of basic shapes such as triangles, circles, squares, and other geometrical shapes. He would also use simple equations to explain natural phenomena like tides or eclipses.
The Power of Mathematics
Pythagoras was a firm believer in the power of mathematics to shape reality and create order in the universe. He believed in using mathematical principles to understand the world around us. His teachings had a profound influence on many ancient thinkers and still form an important part of modern science. Pythagoras also used mathematics to create music and explore musical harmony. His theory stated that certain ratios between notes produce pleasing sounds.
Benevolence
Pythagoras taught his followers to live life with kindness and benevolence towards others. He believed in treating everyone with respect regardless of social class or background. He encouraged his followers to practice moderation in all aspects of life, including diet and physical exercise. Pythagoras’s philosophy was based on a belief in reincarnation; he thought that people should strive for spiritual progress during each lifetime so they could eventually become one with God.
The Golden Verses
One of Pythagoras’s most enduring legacies is The Golden Verses – a set of moral precepts written by him that was meant to guide people towards a better life. These verses contain advice about how one should treat other people, as well as advice about how to live a good life according to Pythagorean principles. The Golden Verses are still studied by many people today who want to learn about ethical principles from this ancient philosopher.
Conclusion
The Greek Philosophers have left us with timeless wisdom and knowledge about the world and how to live a meaningful life. Their quotes are still relevant today and provide us with guidance in our own lives. As Aristotle once said, “knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”. We should take this to heart and strive to better understand ourselves so that we can make the most out of our lives.
The wisdom of the Greek Philosophers has been passed down through the ages, and we owe it to them to keep it alive by sharing their quotes with each other. By doing so, we carry on their legacy of knowledge and understanding so that others may benefit from it.
Ultimately, the Greek Philosophers gave us valuable insight into human nature and its place in the world. Their quotes can still inspire us today to live better lives, to strive for greatness, and to find our true selves within ourselves.