Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
PlatoRead
There are few people so stubborn in their atheism who, when danger is pressing in, will not acknowledge the divine power.
Interpretation
Even the most steadfast atheists may turn to a higher power in times of crisis.
This quote by Plato suggests that during moments of extreme peril or distress, even those who strongly deny the existence of a higher power might seek comfort or solace in the idea of the divine. It reflects on human nature's inherent need for reassurance and hope, especially when faced with the uncertainties and fears of life.
In practice
In a speech about overcoming adversity, one might quote this to illustrate the strength of faith during tough times.
Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow... even if that someone is yourself!
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.
...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty.
Pleasure is the greatest incentive to evil.
Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.
Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
The answer is, of course, that it would be best to be both loved and feared. But since the two rarely come together, anyone compelled to choose will find greater security in being feared than in being loved.
The sneakiest form of literary subtlety, in a corrupt society, is to speak the plain truth. The critics will not understand you; the public will not believe you; your fellow writers will shake their heads. Laughter, praise, honors, money, and the love of beautiful girls will be your only reward.
The stories are what no one wants to talk about. So you make up a story because no one is going to tell you the truth.
If we live good lives, the times are also good. As we are, such are the times.
Abba Moses asked Abba Sylvanus, Can a person lay a new foundation every day? The old man replied, If you work hard, you can lay a new foundation every moment. Abba Pimen said, To throw yourself before God, not to measure your progress, to leave behind all self-will; these are the instruments for the work of the soul. The desire to rule is the mother of heresies.
Now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened.
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