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And therefore if the head and the body are to be well, you…

“And therefore if the head and the body are to be well, you must begin by curing the soul; that is the first and essential thing. And the care of the soul, my dear youth, has to be effected by the use of certain charms, and these charms are fair words; and by them temperance is implanted in the…” quote by Socrates
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““And therefore if the head and the body are to be well, you must begin by curing the soul; that is the first and essential thing. And the care of the soul, my dear youth, has to be effected by the use of certain charms, and these charms are fair words; and by them temperance is implanted in the soul, and where temperance comes and stays, there health is speedily imparted, not only to the head, but to the whole body.””

Socrates

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True health requires first healing the soul; moral discipline, expressed through virtuous speech, nurtures both mind and body.

In simple terms: Heal the soul first, then the body follows.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate virtuous speech to develop temperance.

Themes

morality health discipline

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • personal development
  • well‑being
  • leadership

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you use words to foster self‑control?
  • What habits support both soul and body?
A Different Perspective

Temperance alone may not address physical illness.

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