Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
In particular I may mention Sophocles the poet, who was once asked in my presence, How do you feel about love, Sophocles? are you still capable of it? to which he replied, Hush! if you please: to my great delight I have escaped from it, and feel as if I had escaped from a frantic and savage master. I thought then, as I do now, that he spoke wisely. For unquestionably old age brings us profound repose and freedom from this and other passions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Sophocles expresses relief in escaping the turmoil of love in old age, highlighting the peace that comes with maturity.
In this quote, Plato recounts a moment when Sophocles reflects on love and aging. He suggests that love, often viewed as a beautiful passion, can also be a chaotic and overwhelming force, akin to a 'frantic and savage master.' With old age, Sophocles feels a sense of freedom and tranquillity, emphasizing that the wisdom and calm that come with maturity allow one to transcend the tumultuous nature of romantic emotions.
Themes
LoveWisdomAgeFreedomPeace
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on aging at a senior center, this quote can remind participants of the peace that comes with maturity.
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.
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
A traveler of taste will notice that the wise are polite all over the world, but the fool only at home.
Oliver GoldsmithRead
Whenever we hear an opinion and believe it, we make an agreement, and it becomes part of our belief system.
Miguel Angel RuizRead
I'm proud of what I am and who I am, and I'm just going to be myself.
Mariah CareyRead
Speaking personally, you can have my gun, but you'll take my book when you pry my cold, dead fingers off of the binding.
Stephen KingRead
I have absolutely no objection to growing older. I am a stroke survivor so I am extremely grateful to be ageing - I have nothing but gratitude for the passing years. I am ageing - lucky, lucky me!
Sharon StoneRead
Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
EpicurusRead