Regard as your most faithful friends, not those who praise everything you say or do, but those who criticize your mistakes.
IsocratesRead
And let no one suppose that I claim that just living can be taught for, in a word, I hold that there does not exist an art of the kind which can implant sobriety and justice into depraved natures. Nevertheless, I do think that the study of political discourse can help more than any other thing to stimulate and form such qualities of character
Interpretation
What this quote means
Just living cannot be taught, but political discourse can cultivate character.
Isocrates emphasizes that while the essence of living a good life cannot be explicitly taught, engaging in political discourse and communication can significantly enhance one's character traits like sobriety and justice. He suggests that the art of discussion and debate is crucial for personal development and moral integrity, as it challenges individuals to reflect on their values and behavior.
Themes
EducationPolitical DiscourseCharacterJusticeSobriety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of civic engagement, you could use this quote to emphasize the value of political discourse in shaping moral character.
More from Isocrates
All quotes →But I marvel when I observe these men setting themselves up as instructors of youth who cannot see that they are applying the analogy of an art with hard and fast rules to a creative process
IsocratesRead
Spend your leisure time in cultivating an ear attentive to discourse, for in this way you will find that you learn with ease what others have found out with difficulty.
IsocratesRead
It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly. Do not mistake activity for achievement. Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs, therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity or undue depression in adversity.
IsocratesRead
Of all our possessions, wisdom alone is immortal.
IsocratesRead
Abhor flatterers as you would deceivers; for both, if trusted, injure those who trust them. If you admit as friends men who seek your favor for the lowest ends, your life will be lacking in friends who will risk your displeasure for the highest good.
IsocratesRead
Similar quotes
Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
Oscar WildeRead
Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and the rest of the Ivy League are worthy institutions, to be sure, but they're not known for educating large numbers of poor young people.
Robert ReichRead
We are now operating a school system in America that's more segregated than at any time since the death of Martin Luther King.
Jonathan KozolRead
It has become almost a cliché to remark that nobody boasts of ignorance of literature, but it is socially acceptable to boast ignorance of science and proudly claim incompetence in mathematics.
Richard DawkinsRead
So I believe in singing to such an extent that if I were asked to redesign the British educational system, I would start by insisting that group singing become a central part of the daily routine. I believe it builds character and, more than anything else, encourages a taste for co-operation with others. This seems to be about the most important thing a school could do for you.
Brian EnoRead
The principle itself of dogmatic religion, dogmatic morality, dogmatic philosophy, is what requires to be rooted out; not any particular manifestation of that principle. The very corner-stone of an education intended to form great minds, must be the recognition of the principle, that the object is to call forth the greatest possible quantity of intellectual power, and to inspire the intensest love of truth.
John Stuart MillRead