Many regard Plato as one of the most important figures in Western philosophy. His words and ideas echo in every corner of modern society even today.
We can learn a myriad of lessons from Plato’s words. Here are 12 to get you started.
- “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
Put the effort in on the front end and you will reap the benefits later. Start by acknowledging the importance of beginning a task. Then, you can give it the attention it requires.
- “For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.”
To understand your strengths and weaknesses is to take control of your destiny. Doing so means taking an honest look at who you are and conquering your ego to take the necessary steps to improve.
- “I never did anything worth doing by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work.”
Hard work is not accidental. Success doesn’t fall into one’s lap. If you want it, you have to work for it. It’s as simple as that.
- “Better a little which is well done, than a great deal imperfectly.”
It’s not about volume if you sacrifice quality. One thing done exceptionally well leaves a better impression that five done mediocrity.
- “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”
When you choose your words carefully, they have more value. People don’t only listen because you’re speaking. They listen because you communicating value. Otherwise, they’re just waiting for you to finish.
- “Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.”
Be kind and generous. Offer your skills, advice, and service to others. In turn, they’ll be more willing to do the same for you. Or perhaps even better, they’ll pass on the good actions to others and create a chain reaction. Talk about having an impact.
- “The measure of a man is what he does with power.”
The true measure is not power. The true measure is what happens after the power when you enter a constant battle. To keep the power you’ve worked so hard to cultivate, you must uphold a commitment to not becoming corrupt by it.
- “He who is not a good servant will not be a good master.”
If you do not understand how to give, then you will only take. This is a sure fire way to be a bad leader.
- “Life must be lived as play.”
Don’t take yourself too seriously. There is more to life than work but there’s also no reason work can’t be fun.
- “I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.”
If you know nothing, you have everything to learn. This means are not hindered by arrogance or ego. Those looking to share their knowledge with you will appreciate it.
- “Nothing beautiful without struggle.”
Without struggle, there is no progress. Without hard work, there is no reward. You must be willing to sacrifice and commit to achieve your desired outcome.
- “Those who tell the stories rule society.”
The story you tell about your reality becomes your reality. Watch your thoughts and words because belief and internalized stories are powerful objects. Likewise, be weary of the stories others tell about you. They too can impact you in powerful ways.
