Plato

I would have you imagine, then, that there exists in the mind of man a block of wax… and that we remember and know what is imprinted as long as the image lasts; but when the image is effaced, or cannot be taken, then we forget or do not know.

Plato

I would rather have a good friend than the best cock or quail in the world: I would even go further, and say the best horse or dog.

Plato

I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.

Plato

I’m trying to think, don’t confuse me with facts.

Plato

If a man be endowed with a generous mind, this is the best kind of nobility.

Plato

If a man can be properly said to love something, it must be clear that he feels affection for it as a whole, and does not love part of it to the exclusion of the rest.

Plato

If a man says that it is right to give every one his due, and therefore thinks within his own mind that injury is due from a just man to his enemies but kindness to his friends, he was not wise who said so, for he spoke not the truth, for in no case has it appeared to be just to injure any one.

Plato

If a painter, then, paints a picture of an ideally beautiful man, complete to the last detail, is he any the worse painter because he cannot show that such a man could really exist?

Plato

If anyone comes to the gates of poetry and expects to become an adequate poet by acquiring expert knowledge of the subject without the Muses’ madness, he will fail, and his self-controlled verses will be eclipsed by the poetry of men who have been driven out of their minds.

Plato

If it is naturally in you to be a good orator, a notable orator you will be when you have acquired knowledge and practice.

Plato