Socrates

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Power of focus

  “he whose desires are strong in one direction will have them weaker in others; they will be like a stream which has been drawn off into another channel.”

  Our noteSocrates explains how intense focus on one goal naturally diminishes distractions in other areas.

• Risk of talent

  “the most gifted minds, when they are ill-educated, become pre-eminently bad?”

  Our noteSocrates explains how high potential can lead to great harm if misdirected.

• Persuading the masses

  “O my friend, I said, do not attack the multitude: they will change their minds, if, not in an aggressive spirit, but gently and with the view of soothing them and removing their dislike of over-education, you show them your philosophers as they really are”

  Our noteSocrates explains how to win over a skeptical public by showing them the true nature of one's work.

• Starting from scratch

  “They will begin by taking the State and the manners of men, from which, as from a tablet, they will rub out the picture, and leave a clean surface.”

  Our noteSocrates describes the necessity of a clean slate when designing a new system or organization.

• Perception versus essence

  “The many, as we say, are seen but not known, and the ideas are known but not seen.”

  Our noteSocrates explains the difference between physical objects and their underlying abstract concepts.

• Adapting to reality

  “He will require to grow accustomed to the sight of the upper world.”

  Our noteSocrates explains that understanding a new, complex environment takes time and gradual exposure.

• The comprehensive mind

  “the capacity for such knowledge is the great criterion of dialectical talent: the comprehensive mind is always the dialectical.”

  Our noteSocrates defines the ability to see the big picture as the mark of a true thinker.

• Incentives and Culture

  “And what is honoured is cultivated, and that which has no honour is neglected.”

  Our noteSocrates explains how societal values dictate what skills and behaviors people choose to develop.

• Early Power Tactics

  “At first, in the early days of his power, he is full of smiles, and he salutes every one whom he meets”

  Our noteSocrates describes the deceptive kindness a rising leader uses to gain public favor.