Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
Take a look around, then, and see that none of the uninitiated are listening. Now by the uninitiated I mean the people who believe in nothing but what they can grasp in their hands, and who will not allow that action or generation or anything invisible can have real existence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the limitations of those who reject concepts beyond physical reality and encourages deeper understanding.
In this quote, Plato emphasizes the distinction between those who only accept tangible, sensory experiences and those who are open to the existence of abstract ideas, thoughts, and unseen forces that influence reality. He suggests that true understanding requires acknowledging and exploring dimensions of existence that go beyond mere physicality, urging individuals to consider the philosophical underpinnings of their beliefs.
Themes
PhilosophyBeliefRealityUnderstandingExistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of reality, one might reference Plato's thoughts on those who dismiss the unseen.
More from Plato
All quotes →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.
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...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
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Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
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Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
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Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
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