The shortest and surest way to live with honour in the world is to be in reality what we would appear to be: and if we observe, we will find that all human virtues increase and strengthen themselves by the practice and experience of them.

Socrates (c.470-399 BC) Greek philosopher
In Xenophon, The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates, ch. 6 “Of the Choice of Friends” [tr. Edward Bysshe (1722)]

Full text (and here).

Alt trans.: "The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be."


 
Added on 13-Dec-08 | Last updated 15-Apr-09
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2 thoughts on “In Xenophon, <i>The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates</i>, ch. 6 “Of the Choice of Friends” [tr. Edward Bysshe (1722)]”

  1. (Attributed)

    Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of — for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find…

  2. Pingback: Socrates - (Attributed) | WIST Quotations

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