The more life experience we have, the better we know people…

The famous ancient Greek philosopher Socrates left an indelible mark on philosophy with his profound ideas, insightful teachings, and deep wisdom. Although he did not leave behind any written works of his own, his philosophical legacy has been preserved through the writings of his student Plato and other ancient philosophers.

Today we present 7 remarkable quotes by Socrates, the true depth of meaning of which can be fully understood only at later stages of life.

About friends

Life experience is a combination of knowledge and skills that a person acquires as a result of life’s trials. These trials can be varied: personal failures, professional challenges, bankruptcy, breakups, and so on. Life experience also enables one to better ‘see’ people, understand the sincerity of their relationships, and comprehend the motives behind their actions.

With age, we carefully choose those we allow closer to us, spend time with, and seek commonalities in interests and beliefs.

Alongside our way of life, our circle of acquaintances naturally evolves and changes. At some point, we may realize that we have drifted away from acquaintances, colleagues, or even close friends. And that’s normal. After all, the more life experience we gain, the better we get to know people, and the harder it becomes to let them into our lives. Only the closest and most loyal ones remain.

About health

«Health is not everything, but without health, everything is nothing.»

Health is one of the most precious gifts in human life. When we are healthy, we can provide ourselves with everything necessary, pursue our passions, enjoy life, and make plans for the future. However, health is not everything. For example, mutual love and friendship are very important in life; without them, life may seem empty and aimless. Spiritual harmony, self-improvement, and success are also important. However, despite the significance of these aspects of life, without health, they may seem insignificant. It is only through health that we can enjoy all the other joys of life and choose our path of development and improvement.

Searching for oneself

«Know thyself».

In youth, we are often preoccupied with material possessions and external approval. However, as years go by, the importance of self-awareness becomes increasingly evident. Old age brings wisdom, which allows us to understand the truth of our beliefs, fostering deep personal growth.

About life

«For money, you can buy a bed, but not sleep, food but not appetite, medicine but not health, servants but not friends, wives but not love, a house but not a home, entertainment but not joy, teachers but not intelligence.»

Of course, money and material possessions bring comfort into our lives. However, according to Socrates, although they may satisfy our basic needs, they cannot guarantee peaceful sleep, good health, genuine friendship, meaningful human connections, purchase love, or create a warm and loving home.

For true satisfaction and happiness, it is important not only to chase after money but also to focus on deeper and more meaningful aspects of human existence.

About contact

«No one is your enemy, no one is your friend, but every person is your teacher.»

Instead of dividing everyone into two categories: enemies and friends, as you age, you understand that both are needed in your life for something. Some support us, some betray us, some deceive us, and some unexpectedly become our saviors. Only after some time can we understand why certain people were needed in our lives.

About work

«Find a job you enjoy, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.»

More than 90% of people work out of necessity rather than passion. Most likely, 70 percent don’t enjoy their work and only do it because they have various obligations to their children, family, banks (loans and mortgages), creating a vicious circle.

It’s very frightening to quit a job and start doing what you really love. People will immediately start talking about economic crises, rising food prices, uncertain times, and how «others have it worse.» That’s why love for work is rarely discussed in our country.

But imagine what would happen if everyone did what they loved; after all, there are those who want to be teachers, educators, doctors, builders, and salespeople. Everyone would be in their place, going to work happily and smiling at their clients. Work would no longer be a duty but a source of personal satisfaction and internal motivation. The world would be different.

About Happiness

«A person does not attain happiness not because they don’t want it, but because they don’t know what it consists of.»

«A person always seeks happiness, but often confuses it with pleasure, which brings momentary joy. Happiness is something deeper and more enduring, which cannot be achieved overnight. It consists of a multitude of factors and various aspects of life: family, career, friendship, and so on.

Many seek happiness in external circumstances, such as money, prestige, and material well-being. But the joy from these things is temporary. If a person does not find happiness and meaning within themselves, all pleasures will be fleeting. If a person lacks a clear goal, they wander blindly, not understanding what they want.

A person should know what they want, what values are important to them, and build their life according to these principles. Then they can truly achieve a state of happiness.»