Philosophers and wisdom teachers ask us to pause, to wonder, and to look more deeply at our brief time on earth. As Francis Bacon once said, “Here is a test to see if your mission on earth is finished. If you are alive, it isn’t.” These quotations remind us that as long as we are alive, our seeking, questioning, and learning are not yet done.

Philosophy begins in wonder. ~ Plato

If I had a philosophy, it’s that I support the beautiful side of anarchy. ~ Björk

Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. ~ Lao Tzu

If you will take my advice you will think little of Socrates, and a great deal more of truth. ~ Socrates

Everything is flux. ~ Heraclitus

One change leaves the way open for the introduction of others. ~ Niccolò Machiavelli

All men by nature desire to know. ~ Aristotle

I think, therefore I am. (cogito ergo sum). ~ René Descartes, Meditations

All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare. ~ Benedict de Spinoza, Ethics

For in every ill turn of fortune the most unhappy sort of misfortune is to have been happy. ~ Boethius

I deepen my experience of God through prayer, meditation, and forgiveness. ~ Marianne Williamson

It may be argued that peoples for whom philosophers legislate are always prosperous. ~ Aristotle

New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common. ~ John Locke

I have tried too in my time to be a philosopher, but I don’t know how; cheerfulness was always breaking in. ~ Oliver Edwards

Art requires philosophy, just as philosophy requires art. Otherwise, what would become of beauty? ~ Paul Gauguin, Gauguin’s Intimate Journals