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20 Timeless Quotes from Greek Philosophers

Discover timeless wisdom from Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Heraclitus, Epictetus and other great thinkers of the ancient world.

1. Socrates — The Examined Life

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

— Socrates

2. Socrates — Wisdom

"I know that I know nothing."

— Commonly attributed to Socrates; this is a popular paraphrase of his position.

3. Socrates — Virtue

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

— Commonly attributed to Socrates

4. Socrates — Knowledge

"Wisdom begins in wonder."

— Commonly attributed to Socrates

5. Plato — Knowledge

"Knowledge is the food of the soul."

— Plato

6. Plato — Courage

"Courage is knowing what not to fear."

— Commonly attributed to Plato

7. Plato — Excellence

"The beginning is the most important part of the work."

— Plato

8. Plato — Education

"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel."

— Commonly attributed to Plato

9. Aristotle — Happiness

"Happiness depends upon ourselves."

— Aristotle

10. Aristotle — Excellence

"Excellence is never an accident."

— Commonly attributed to Aristotle

11. Aristotle — Friendship

"Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit."

— Aristotle

12. Aristotle — The Good Life

"The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge."

— Commonly attributed to Aristotle

13. Heraclitus — Change

"No man ever steps in the same river twice."

— Heraclitus; commonly translated/paraphrased from his surviving fragments

14. Heraclitus — Character

"Character is destiny."

— Heraclitus

15. Epicurus — Friendship

"Of all the means to insure happiness throughout the whole life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends."

— Epicurus

16. Epicurus — Simplicity

"He who is not satisfied with a little, is satisfied with nothing."

— Epicurus

17. Epictetus — Control

"Some things are within our power, while others are not."

— Epictetus

18. Epictetus — Response

"It is not things that trouble us, but our judgments about things."

— Epictetus

19. Pythagoras — Silence

"Be silent or let thy words be worth more than silence."

— Commonly attributed to Pythagoras

20. Diogenes — Simplicity

"Dogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards."

— Diogenes

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The Timeless Wisdom of Greek Philosophy

Ancient Greek philosophy has shaped the way humanity thinks about knowledge, morality, happiness, courage, friendship and the meaning of a good life.

Socrates encouraged people to examine their lives. Plato explored knowledge, justice and the nature of reality. Aristotle studied virtue, happiness and human flourishing. Epicurus emphasized friendship and a simple life, while the Stoic philosopher Epictetus taught the importance of distinguishing between what we can and cannot control.

Although these philosophers lived thousands of years ago, their questions remain relevant today.

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

Which Greek Philosopher Inspires You?

Whether it is Socrates' pursuit of wisdom, Aristotle's ideas about happiness, Epicurus' philosophy of friendship, or Epictetus' teachings on self-control, each philosopher offers a different perspective on how to live a meaningful life.

Which quote is your favorite?

Share your favorite Greek philosophy quote in the comments below.

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