Famous quotes by philosophers around the world, originating in ancient Greece
When you hear the word “philosophy,” can you explain what it is?
Said to trace its origins back to ancient Greece, philosophy has developed into a discipline that examines human existence, the universe, morality, knowledge, and truth.
Today, we’ll introduce famous quotes by philosophers.
Because philosophy seeks out many kinds of truths, the words it offers can surely serve as a guide when you’re feeling lost.
We’ve compiled everything from simple sayings to more complex ones, so be sure to check them out!
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Quotations by philosophers around the world, originating from ancient Greece (11–20)
Let those who wish to leave, leave.Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, monarch of the Kingdom of Macedon, one of the empires of ancient Greece.
Often called one of the most successful military commanders in history, Alexander the Great left behind numerous famous sayings.
Among them, this short yet resolute quote was addressed to the many soldiers who were exhausted by the long campaign.
It conveys the meaning: let those who wish to leave, leave; even if our numbers are few, we will continue the campaign with those who still have the will to fight.
If you want to move the world, start by moving yourself.Socrates
Socrates, a leading philosopher of ancient Greece who deeply explored the human inner life and ethics.
His words reflect his belief that one’s own actions and inner change are the first steps toward changing the world.
Many people feel dissatisfaction and harbor expectations toward society or others, but his teaching insists that we must first reflect on ourselves.
He emphasizes the importance of self-growth and introspection—values that remain universally relevant today.
Rather than relying on others, the message is that reexamining our own actions and awareness is the power that brings about better change.
Oblivion fosters better progress.Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche, a leading thinker of existentialism and a philosopher.
He is also famous for the phrase “God is dead,” which carries a critique of religion.
He once served as a professor at the University of Basel, specializing in classical philology related to ancient Greece.
“Forgetting gives birth to better progress” is one of his famous sayings.
It means that if we can let go of the past and our regrets—if we can forget them—we can open up new paths.
Since we cannot redo the past, perhaps it’s best to reflect on what needs reflecting and then let it go.
Conscience speaks always and only in the form of silence.Martin Heidegger
Martin Heidegger, a philosopher who championed existentialism and stands as a representative figure of the 20th century.
His major work Being and Time, published in 1927 to unravel the question that has continued since ancient Greece—“What is being?”—made a profound impact on people.
“Conscience speaks solely and always in the mode of silence”—these are words he left behind.
It’s a famous saying that teaches us not to be swayed by others but to listen to the voice within ourselves.
Rather than being seduced by alluring things and ignoring our conscience, it is important to face it squarely.
I repay resentment with sincerity, and virtue with virtue.Confucius
Confucius is the founder of Confucianism and a representative thinker of ancient China.
He is one of the Four Sages, alongside the Buddha, Christ, and the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates.
This famous saying appears in the Analects, which compiles Confucius’s teachings.
“Respond to resentment with sincerity”… this means to act in accordance with one’s true heart.
In order to repay virtue with virtue, one should respond to resentment with one’s genuine heart—that is the idea.
There is a similar saying by Laozi, but its meaning is entirely different.
What you should fear is not death. Fear, rather, not truly living.Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
These are words by Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, emperor of the Roman Empire, well-versed in philosophy and known as the philosopher-king.
He tells us not to fear death itself, but to fear “not truly living,” that is, failing to lead a fulfilling life.
Knowing his words can inspire a mindset of taking on any challenge and spark the resolve to “live out my life to the fullest!” It’s a famous quote that can prompt us to reconsider our views on life and death.
Whether you are happy or not depends on yourself.Aristotle
Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher known as the father of all learning and counted among the greatest thinkers of the West, once said, “Whether you are happy or not depends on yourself.” This quote makes us feel that the root of human worries has not changed from long ago to the present day.
When you see people who are more fortunate or successful than you, don’t you sometimes feel anxious or start questioning your own life? However, happiness is not about comparing yourself to others; it’s about how your own heart feels.
As a personal motto, this quote can help you accept yourself as you are, no matter the circumstances.
A strong person does not lament their fate.Arthur Schopenhauer
Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher known as a leading thinker of pessimism who influenced countless philosophers.
The saying, “A strong person does not lament their fate,” might seem surprising coming from Schopenhauer, who developed a philosophy of pessimism.
People often waver when they hear the word fate, and sometimes even use it as an excuse to give up.
Yet this message teaches that if you possess a strong will, you will not be troubled no matter what fate you have, and you can carve out your own life.
In conclusion
How was it? This time, we introduced famous quotes by philosophers from around the world. They’re all the kind of words that make you go, “Exactly!” If you take this opportunity to explore philosophy a bit more, you might find solutions to things that have been troubling you or that you couldn’t understand before!