Socrates

Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.

The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.

He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

A library, to modify the famous metaphor of Socrates, should be the delivery room for the birth of ideas — a place where history comes to life.

Norman Cousins

Wisdom begins in wonder.

Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows best what is good for us.

True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.

I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing.

From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate.

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat.

Think not those faithful who praise all thy words and actions; but those who kindly reprove thy faults.

The unexamined life is not worth living.

The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.

Remember what is unbecoming to do is also unbecoming to speak of.

Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity.

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.

I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.

I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.

Having the fewest wants, I am nearest to the gods.