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.
- Source
- Republic, Book 2, 377a–b, trans. Benjamin Jowett
- Written
- c. 375 BC
About this quotation
Socrates makes the point while discussing how to educate the future guardians of the ideal city, and argues that children should hear only stories that form good character. It is often shortened online to its first clause.