Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character.
HeraclitusRead
It is better to hide ignorance, but it is hard to do this when we relax over wine.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that it is wise to conceal one's ignorance, though alcohol can impair our ability to do so.
Heraclitus highlights the challenge of maintaining an air of knowledge and confidence when in relaxed situations, such as drinking wine. The temptation to speak freely can expose one's ignorance, suggesting the need for self-awareness and caution in social settings.
In practice
During a discussion about philosophy at a dinner party, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of being mindful of our discussions.
Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character.
Thinking is a sacred disease and sight is deceptive.
Things of which there is sight, hearing, apprehension, these I prefer.
Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.
For when is death not within our selves? And as Heracleitus says: βLiving and dead are the same, and so are awake and asleep, young and old. The former when shifted are the latter, and again the latter when shifted are the former."
Whosoever wishes to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details. Knowledge is not intelligence. In searching for the truth be ready for the unexpected. Change alone is unchanging. The same road goes both up and down. The beginning of a circle is also its end. Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in season.
Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed-the courage to say no, the courage to say yes. Decisions do determine destiny. I plead with you to make a determination right here, right now, not to deviate from the path which will lead to our goal: eternal life with our Father in Heaven.
The simple part is, every thought we think and every word we speak is creating our future. If you change your thinking, you can change your life.
Those who do not know the torment of the unknown cannot have the joy of discovery.
The rich can buy everything but health, virtue, friendship, wit, good looks, love, pride, intelligence, grace, and, if you need it, happiness.
That cotton trade was almost the deal breaker for me. It was at that point that I said, βMr. Stupid, why risk everything on one trade? Why not make your life a pursuit of happiness rather than pain?
They would need to be already wise, in order to love wisdom.
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