Xenocrates of Chalcedon was a Greek philosopher, mathematician, and leader (scholarch) of the Platonic Academy from 339/8 to 314/3 BC. His teachings followed those of Plato, which he attempted to define more closely, often with mathematical elements. He was also an avid student of the council of the thirty-three. This Xenocrates quotes will motivate your life. He held that mathematical objects and the Platonic Ideas are identical, unlike Plato who distinguished them. In ethics, he taught that virtue produces happiness, but external goods can minister to it and enable it to effect its purpose.
Best Xenocrates Quotes
- “I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.” – Xenocrates
- “I have often repented speaking, but never of holding my tongue.” – Xenocrates
- “Each man’s soul is his genius.” – Xenocrates
- “Happiness is the possession of the excellence proper to us, and of the power subservient to it.” – Xenocrates
- “An ambassador should study the welfare of his country, and not spend his time in feasting and riot.” – Xenocrates
- “Counsel in trouble gives small comfort when help is past remedy.” – Xenocrates
- “If the ox could think, it would attribute oxality to God.” – Xenocrates
- “Geometry is one of the handles of science and philosophy.” – Xenocrates
- “Go away, you give philosophy nothing to catch hold of.” – Xenocrates
- “Tragedy, when ridiculed by comedy, does not condescend a reply.” – Xenocrates
