Regard as your most faithful friends, not those who praise everything you say or do, but those who criticize your mistakes.
IsocratesRead
Of all our possessions, wisdom alone is immortal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wisdom is the only possession that lasts beyond our earthly life.
This quote by Isocrates emphasizes the enduring value of wisdom over material possessions. While material things may fade or be lost, the insights and understanding we gain throughout our lives remain with us and contribute to our legacy.
Themes
WisdomImmortalPossessionsValueKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of wisdom gained through education.
More from Isocrates
All quotes βBut 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
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
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
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
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