Beginning Quote by Plato
““You know that the beginning is the most important part of any work, especially in the case of a young and tender thing; for that is the time at which the character is being formed and the desired impression is more readily taken…Shall we just carelessly allow children to hear any casual tales which may be devised by casual persons, and to receive into their minds ideas for the most part the very opposite of those which we should wish them to have when they are grown up? We cannot…Anything received into the mind at that age is likely to become indelible and unalterable; and therefore it is most important that the tales which the young first hear should be models of virtuous thoughts…””
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Republic, Book II, 380 BC
Early influences shape character; children’s stories must teach virtue.
In simple terms: Kids learn values from what they hear.
Key Takeaway
Curate positive narratives for youth.
Themes
education
morality
child development
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- Parenting
- school curricula
- media production
- family storytelling
Key Concepts
Virtue ethics
cognitive development
Questions to Reflect On
- What stories teach virtue without stifling imagination?
- How can we balance moral lessons with creativity?
A Different Perspective
Restricting stories can limit imagination and critical thinking.
