8 Socrates Quotes on Virtue

Socrates quotes on virtue

3. In every one of us there are two ruling and directing principles, whose guidance we follow wherever they may lead; the one being an innate desire of pleasure; the other, an acquired judgment which aspires after excellence.

9. I do nothing but go about persuading you all, old and young alike, not to take thought for your persons or your properties, but and chiefly to care about the greatest improvement of the soul. I tell you that virtue is not given by money, but that from virtue comes money and every other good of man, public as well as private. This is my teaching, and if this is the doctrine which corrupts the youth, I am a mischievous person.

20. Bad men live that they may eat and drink, whereas good men eat and drink that they may live.

23. Having the fewest wants, I am nearest to the gods.

30. Be of good cheer about death and know this as a truth - that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.

47. Four things belong to a judge: to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.

80. The shortest and surest way to live with honour in the world, is to be in reality what we would appear to be; and if we observe, we shall find, that all human virtues increase and strengthen themselves by the practice of them.

89. Virtue does not come from wealth, but health, and every other good thing which men have comes from virtue.