Read the attached article about Plato. Then take a quiz.
Reading Practice: Who Was Plato?
Some Inspirational Quotes by Plato:
1. "The measure of a man is what he does with power."
- Explanation: This quote reflects on the nature of character and ethics, suggesting that true character is revealed not in weakness but in how one behaves when in a position of power. It underscores the importance of using power responsibly and justly, rather than for selfish gains.
2. "Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
- Explanation: This quote contrasts the wisdom of thoughtful speech with the folly of speaking without purpose. It encourages thoughtful reflection and the value of silence when necessary, emphasizing that meaningful communication arises from having something significant to share.
3. "At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet."
- Explanation: This quote speaks to the transformative power of love, suggesting that love inspires creativity and expression in everyone, regardless of their usual disposition. It highlights love's ability to evoke deep emotional responses and the desire to articulate those feelings in a poetic or expressive manner.
4. "Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind."
- Explanation: Here, Plato touches on the nature of learning and education, arguing that true understanding and knowledge cannot be forced. This quote suggests that for knowledge to be meaningful and lasting, it must be pursued with interest and engagement, not through coercion.
5. "He who commits injustice is ever made more wretched than he who suffers it."
- Explanation: This quote delves into the consequences of unjust actions, positing that the perpetrator of injustice suffers more in the long run than the victim. It reflects Plato's views on morality and justice, suggesting that committing wrong harms the soul of the wrongdoer more deeply than it harms the victim.
6. "Only the dead have seen the end of war."
- Explanation: Often attributed to Plato, this quote, whether directly his or not, resonates with the notion that conflict and strife are enduring aspects of the human condition. It suggests a pessimistic view of peace as unattainable as long as humanity exists. (It's worth noting that the precise origin of this quote is debated, and it may have been popularized in relation to Plato rather than directly quoted from his works.)
7. "The beginning is the most important part of the work."
- Explanation: This quote
underscores the importance of starting well, suggesting that the initial
steps in any endeavor are critical to its overall success. It encourages
careful planning and preparation at the outset of any project or pursuit.
8. "Courage is knowing what not to fear."
Explanation: This quote speaks to the nature of courage, defining it not as the absence of fear but as the wisdom to know which fears are unfounded and which are worth heed. It highlights the importance of discernment and understanding in facing life's challenges.
