QuoteProject
To be curious about that which is not one's concern while still in ignorance of oneself is ridiculous.
Plato
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

It's foolish to be interested in matters that do not concern you while being unaware of your own self.

This quote by Plato emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the folly of being overly curious about external issues without first understanding oneself. It suggests that true wisdom begins with introspection and an awareness of one's own thoughts and feelings, rather than being distracted by the concerns of others.

Themes

CuriositySelf-AwarenessWisdomIgnoranceSelf-Reflection

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophical discussion about priorities in life, I would quote Plato to remind others to focus on self-awareness.

More from Plato

Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
Not one of them who took up in his youth with this opinion that there are no gods ever continued until old age faithful to his conviction.
PlatoRead
...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
PlatoRead
Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
PlatoRead
Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
PlatoRead
Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
PlatoRead

Similar quotes

I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Most of my advances were by mistake. You uncover what is when you get rid of what isn't.
R. Buckminster FullerRead
Patience and shuffle the cards.
Miguel De CervantesRead
We do not write in order to be understood; we write in order to understand.
Cecil Day-LewisRead
I was raised that way: don't get mad, get smart.
Andrew YoungRead
Each day look into your conscience and amend your faults; if you fail in this duty you will be untrue to the Knowledge and Reason that are within you. Keep a watchful eye over yourself as if you were your own enemy; for you cannot learn to govern yourself, unless you first learn to govern your own passions and obey the dictates of your conscience.
Khalil GibranRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.