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Bitter Quote by Plato

“Everything desires not like but unlike: for example, the dry desires the moist, the cold the hot, the bitter the sweet, the sharp the blunt, the void the full, the full the void, and so of all other things; for the opposite is the food of the opposite, whereas like receives like receives nothing…” quote by Plato
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“Everything desires not like but unlike: for example, the dry desires the moist, the cold the hot, the bitter the sweet, the sharp the blunt, the void the full, the full the void, and so of all other things; for the opposite is the food of the opposite, whereas like receives like receives nothing from like.”

Plato

About This Quote

Source Book: Republic, Plato, c. 380 BC

The quote expresses that opposites attract and fulfill each other, while similar things do not provide nourishment.

In simple terms: Opposites complement each other; similarity yields nothing.

Key Takeaway

Seek balance through contrast.

Themes

philosophy duality balance

Mood

contemplative inquisitive

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • food choices
  • design
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

complementarity interdependence dialectic

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do opposites shape your decisions?
  • When can similarity be beneficial?
A Different Perspective

Similarities can also create synergy, not just emptiness.

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