Famous quote by Plato

"For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories"

About this Quote

Plato’s assertion that to conquer oneself is the first and noblest of all victories points to the profound challenge and dignity inherent in self-mastery. Throughout history, thinkers have explored the human tendency to be driven by competing desires, passions, and impulses. The act of conquest typically evokes images of confrontation with external enemies or the pursuit of victory over obstacles outside the self. Yet, Plato refocuses this concept inward, suggesting that the real battle lies within, the struggle against one's own weaknesses, fears, and vices.

To conquer oneself is not merely an exercise of willpower over fleeting temptations; it involves a persistent and often arduous endeavor to understand one’s motives, habits, and emotional responses. It means facing aspects of oneself that are uncomfortable or difficult to accept. There is a recognition that human nature is complex, often divided between what reason dictates is right and what immediate feelings demand. The victory of self-mastery is noble because it brings about harmony rather than discord within the soul. It is the cultivation of virtue and discipline, elevating the individual above the chaos of unchecked impulses.

Such a victory is described as the first because it is foundational. Achievements in the world, success over others, accumulation of wealth, or social status, become hollow or even dangerous if one remains a stranger to oneself. With self-mastery, there is a newfound clarity; the individual acts with deliberate purpose rather than being swayed by fleeting moods and external pressures. This internal order enables one to live authentically and act justly toward others.

Moreover, this conquest is enduring. Unlike external victories, which can be lost or surpassed, self-mastery is a continuous process that shapes a person’s character and their destiny. In mastering oneself, one gains not only personal peace but also the capacity to contribute wisely to the order and well-being of society.

About the Author

Plato This quote is written / told by Plato between 427 BC and 347 BC. He was a famous Philosopher from Greece. The author also have 111 other quotes.
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