Socrates

I prefer to be refuted than to refute, for it is a greater good for oneself to be freed from the greatest evil than to free another.

Socrates

I soon realized that poets do not compose their poems with knowledge, but by some inborn talent and by inspiration, like seers and prophets who also say many fine things without any understanding of what they say.

Socrates

I was afraid that by observing objects with my eyes and trying to comprehend them with each of my other senses I might blind my soul altogether.

Socrates

I was really too honest a man to be a politician and live.

Socrates

I will not yield to any man contrary to what is right, for fear of death, even if I should die at once for not yielding.

Socrates

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.

Socrates

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.

Socrates

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

Socrates

If he who does not know kept silent, discord would cease.

Socrates

If the whole world depends on today’s youth, I can’t see the world lasting another 100 years.

Socrates